The world's largest artificial skating rink. The largest skating rink in the world Where is the largest skating rink in the world

Recently a new skating rink was opened in St. Petersburg, which is also the largest in northern capital. We decided to see where else there are skating rinks that impress tourists and locals with their size, and we present a selection of the eleven largest skating rinks in the world.

Perhaps the largest winter skating rink in the world can be called Mountain Lake Joux (Lac de Joux) in Switzerland: its area is almost 5,000,000 sq.m. Tourists from all over Evprova come to this place to skate. The lake is not only beautiful, but also “exclusive” in a sense: it freezes only for two weeks a year. Therefore, the most experienced ice skating enthusiasts are looking forward to these days with some impatience. IN high season on Lake Zhu there are competitions in figure skating, as well as ice carnival evenings.

Lake Paterswoldsemeer, located southwest of the Dutch city of Groningen, is almost half as large as the leader - its area is 2,700,000 sq.m. Paterswoldsemeer is part of the lakes of Groningen-Drenthe. In the warm season, lovers of light walks rush here sea vessels, and in winter the place turns into a huge ice skating rink. This lake is not only one of the largest in area, but is also the longest skating rink, stretching for as much as 10 km. Its water surface in winter is covered with a durable crust of ice, which lasts until the beginning of spring, allowing thousands of outdoor recreation enthusiasts to enjoy daily skiing.

Third place in our ranking of the largest skating rinks in the world is occupied by the Rideau Canal in Canada with an area of 1,620,000 sq.m. The canal stretches through almost the entire center of Canada's capital, Ottawa, and it is worth noting that in winter local residents Here you practically don’t take off your skates, quickly getting to any point in the city center with the help of this eco-friendly form of “transport”. In Ottawa, city authorities even came up with road signs for skating fans: green - go ahead, red - too warm, the ice has lost its strength!

In this case, it is not only the skating rink that is impressive, but also the work of the local Canadian administration.

In fourth place is the Mexican capital with its ice skating rink located in the center of Mexico City. The area of the skating rink reaches 32,000 sq.m. and has artificial turf. The skating rink in Mexico City is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest artificial skating rink in the world. In order for the skating rink to exist for a long time, 74 km were laid under the ice. pipes that are connected to special devices that maintain the required temperature.

Next on the list of the largest ice arenas is a domestic participant - the skating rink in the park named after. Gorky. The size of the skating rink is 15,000 square meters. meters. There are 4 sectors: dance, children's, basic and hockey. A long wooden bridge runs along paths filled with ice.

The new skating rink in Udelny Park in St. Petersburg is currently operating in test mode. The area of this largest skating rink in the city is about 4000 square meters. Photo: Egor Tsvetkov

“The main skating rink of Russia” is in 7th place on our list - Red Square in Moscow has become an ice rink for Muscovites and guests of the capital for 6 winters in a row. The open GUM skating rink occupies a tenth of Red Square, and on its territory of 2,700 sq.m, vacationers not only have fun (capacity - 450 people), but also hockey matches and figure skating demonstrations are held. A fabulous wooden town has been erected near the ice rink, from where you can watch the skaters.

There is an almost identical skating rink in area (2600 sq.m.) in New York: Wollman Rink is spacious, beautiful, but most importantly, it has become a legend thanks to its participation in numerous romantic scenes in Hollywood films. In reality, the skating rink is just as beautiful as in the movies, and what’s nice is that you can skate here around the clock - perfect place leisure for all types of romantics. By the way, the skating rink is already 64 years old - figure skaters first appeared on its ice back in 1950! A nice bonus winter holidays At the skating rink there is an opportunity to run into a movie star - they say that Wollman Rink is very popular with Jim Carrey, Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman.

Every year, the Paris City Hall pleases the townspeople by installing an ice skating rink right next to its walls: everyone enjoys skating in the 1,635 square meter arena. m.

Seefeld, Austria. This quiet Tyrolean village can rival the best international ski resorts. All conditions for winter sports have been created here, first of all, alpine skiing. However, those who still have energy left after skiing are invited to the skating rink, open from December to March in the Zillertal valley with an area of 1,500 sq.m.

And finally, our hit parade of the most “grand” skating rinks in the world is completed by the arena, although not the largest (only 200 sq.m.), but certainly the most spectacular and romantic, because it is located in the heart of Paris, on Eiffel Tower, at an altitude of 57 meters. The 200 m² skating rink also offers visitors a stunning panorama of Paris. Ice skating is great fun, and the atmosphere in this place is also supported by French music, as well as original lighting effects. To warm up in this kingdom of metal and ice, there is a bar where you can buy hot coffee, hot wine and other drinks. The ice premiere took place back in 1969, but the ice is not poured every year, and the skating rink is open only until January 31. The skating rink at the Eiffel Tower is also one of the five most visited Christmas skating rinks in the world.

Also use in great demand tourists have skating rinks in Vienna near the city hall, on Museum Square in Amsterdam and in London near the Natural History Museum.

The list of all the wonderful things we associate with winter would not be complete if we forgot to mention sports activities, among which one of the most favorite is ice skating. And if you skate not on an ordinary skating rink, but on a very picturesque one, the pleasure from skating can be simply fantastic. Today we bring to your attention a story about the most impressive skating rinks in the world.

Canal Rideau

Most long roller in the world is located in the capital of Canada, Ottawa, its area is 1,620,000 sq.m. It could accommodate 90 hockey fields, because its length is almost 8 kilometers. But the main advantage of the skating rink is not even this, but the fact that while gliding along it, you can simultaneously admire the most picturesque views of the city. The Rideau Canal is also famous for the annual winter festival “Winterlude”, during which an ice sculpture competition, figure skating performances and various entertainment events take place right on the canal.

From here it opens beautiful view to Laurier Castle and the Canadian Parliament building. In addition, in winter you can observe a very interesting phenomenon: many Ottawa residents use the Rideau Canal to skate to work. In Ottawa, city authorities even came up with road signs for skating fans: green - go ahead, red - too warm, the ice has lost its strength!

Lake Joux

Those who love big things will surely enjoy the skating rink at Lake Zhu in Swiss Alps, its area is almost 5,000,000 sq.m. . This highest mountain lake in the country is located near Lausanne. For just two weeks a year, it is covered with ice and turns into the largest skating rink in the world. At this time, tourists from all over Europe tend to come here to skate themselves, as well as admire the performances of professional figure skaters.

High mountain skating rink "Medeo"

The world's largest high-mountain skating rink is located near the former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty. It was opened in 1972 and since then has repeatedly become the venue for European and World Championships in winter sports. The Medeu ice skating rink, located at an altitude of 1691.2 meters above sea level, is known throughout the world. The ice surface occupies 10.5 thousand square meters, which allows for competitions in speed skating, hockey and figure skating. This skating rink is also called the “factory of records”, thanks to the high-mountain climate and crystal clear mountain water, which is used to fill the ice, More than 200 speed skating records were set here.

Kinderdijk canals

If you are in the Netherlands in winter, be sure to visit the ancient Dutch village of Kinderkeid. In winter, the sleepy Kinderdijk village becomes real tourist center. After all, it is along the banks of this canal that the famous Dutch mills stand, and the ice, polished with special equipment, is perfect for skaters of any level. Officially, the skating rink is open 24 hours a day from November to February, but in reality it all depends on the weather and the timing of the freezing/thawing of the canal. Free admission. There you can not only skate on the frozen river, but also admire the most famous in the world windmills.

Bondi Beach

What could be more unusual than an ice skating rink on the ocean? Especially during the warm season, which lasts all year round in Sydney (Australia). The air temperature here on Bondi Beach is above zero even in winter, however, the skating rink operates successfully thanks to special cooling systems, as well as the huge amount of water that is used to fill the ice. This is one of the most popular places churches opening as part of the winter festival... Visitors can not only cut circles to their heart's content, but also order delicious dishes and drinks!

Lake Paterswoldsemeer

The Netherlands has many lakes and other bodies of water, and Paterswoldse Meer (Paterswoldsemeer) in the south of Groningen is nothing special. But this is in the summer... In winter, when the frosts get stronger and the ice on the lake becomes quite thick, the Groningians clear it of snow and level it. As a result, a grandiose skating rink opens every winter on Lake Patersvoldsemer. open air about 10 kilometers long!

Admission to the skating rink is, of course, free. However, you are unlikely to be lucky enough to find skate rentals nearby, so you should rent skates in the city or bring your own. At any time you can turn off the skating rink and approach the shore. Along the entire path you can find dozens of cafes where you can drink hot tea, coffee or something stronger, as well as have a quick snack or a solid meal.

Eiffel Tower

For several years now, at the beginning of December, an ice skating rink has been opening on one of the Eiffel Tower platforms at an altitude of 57 meters. Here you can not only go ice skating, but also feel the atmosphere of the city, admiring the panoramic views of the city and listening to romantic French music. Although this is not the largest skating rink (only 200 sq.m.), it is certainly one of the most spectacular and romantic!

Ice skating is great fun, and the atmosphere in this place is also supported by French music, as well as original lighting effects. To warm up in this kingdom of metal and ice, there is a bar where you can buy hot coffee, hot wine and other drinks. The ice premiere took place back in 1969, but the ice is not poured every year, and the skating rink is open only until January 31. The skating rink at the Eiffel Tower is also one of the five most visited Christmas skating rinks in the world.

FlevOnice skating rink

The Netherlands is the birthplace of speed skating, so it’s not surprising that three skating rinks on our list are located here. Moreover, skating rinks here can be found literally in an open field. Like this unusual skating rink, more reminiscent of a race track, is located near the village with the hard-to-pronounce name Biddinghuysen. Its territory is huge.

In the diagram, the FlevOnice ice skating rink looks more like a race track. As if it was specially designed for racing cars. Therefore, it is not surprising that this place is mainly appreciated by those who like to skate at high speeds. For such athletes, there is a unique recreation area - a building with a cafe and showers, which is located on the edge ice track. FlevOnice is considered the largest in Holland. It is open to visitors more than three months a year.

Central Park

Wollman Rink is one of the most famous skating rinks in the world. It is spacious (2600 sq.m.), beautiful, but most importantly, it has become a legend thanks to its participation in numerous romantic scenes in Hollywood films. In reality, the skating rink is just as beautiful as in the movies, and what’s nice is that you can skate here around the clock - an excellent place of leisure for all types of romantics. By the way, the skating rink is already 64 years old - figure skaters first appeared on its ice back in 1950! A pleasant bonus of a winter holiday at the skating rink is the opportunity to run into a movie star - they say that Wollman Rink is very popular with Jim Carrey, Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman.

Somerset House

The majestic building of London's Somerset House is one of the best examples of classical architecture. It is worth admiring it at any time of the year, but it is still best to do it in winter. During the pre-holiday season, a skating rink is opened on the square in front of the building, where everyone can demonstrate their sporting talents. If you find yourself in London in winter, be sure to visit the ice skating rink next to Somerset House. This imposing public building, built in the late 18th century in classical style, occupies an entire block between the Strand and the Thames.

During its existence, it served a variety of purposes (in various periods, in various parts of the building there was a chapel, the Royal Academy, a chemical laboratory, the University of London, the Geological Society, during the time of Admiral Nelson - the Admiralty, and other institutions). Nowadays all kinds of events are held here cultural events— exhibitions, festivals, film screenings. And in the winter season, the skating rink becomes an indispensable attribute of Somerset House, where you can have fun skating to trendy music from specially invited DJs, drink hot tea with cupcakes and even go to the Tiffany store. Don't forget to book your ski tickets in advance!

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With the onset of cold weather, almost all world capitals are immersed in an atmosphere of winter magic, giving their squares and streets to ice arenas. Moreover, ice skating is one of the most popular and, perhaps, the most exciting winter activities.

Of course, there are many indoor skating rinks that are open all year round. But it’s much more interesting to ride outdoors, on frozen rivers or canals.

Airlife presents 18 of the most famous skating rinks in the world.

New York, USA

Go ice skating in Central Park , surrounded by picturesque trees and skyscrapers of Manhattan, is one of the most popular activities of citizens and guests of New York. It was poured for the first time in 1949, and to this day it is filled year after year. If you've never been to New York, you might have seen it in the movies. It is on this skating rink that the heroes of almost all films set in winter New York spin.

Ice skating rink Rockefeller Center- one of the main symbols of the city, especially popular during the holiday seasons, from November to January. The expensive tickets to this skating rink are worth it.

National natural Park Yosemite, California, USA.

This outdoor ice skating rink Yosemite park is not only one of the largest, but also one of the most beautiful in the world, with the towering silhouette of the granite Half Dome Mountain in the background. It is worth noting that the tradition of organizing ice skating in this park dates back to 1928. It was then that the employees natural park For the first time, they decided to flood an abandoned car park with water.

Seefeld, Austria

The quiet Tyrolean village rivals the best international ski resorts. All conditions for winter sports, especially alpine skiing, have been created here. However, those who still have strength left after skiing are invited to the skating rink, open from December to March in Ziller Valley.

Vienna, Austria

“Ice Dream” fully lives up to its name: here you can not only skate to music (from waltzes to jazz and disco), but also race at speed (415 meters of tracks) and even play curling on one of the six courts. And all this against the backdrop of the magnificent City Hall building. And don't forget about Viennese delicacies and mulled wine!

Weissensee, Austria

Initially, it is worth noting that Weissensee is one of the cleanest and deep lakes on Earth, and in winter it is the largest skating rink in the old world. The water is so clean that it was awarded the international Tourism for Tomorrow Award. The skating rink has an area of 6.5 square meters. kilometers, where you can speed up decently on skates.

Paris, France

Winter skating rink at the Eiffel Tower- a good old tradition. The ice premiere took place back in 1969, but ice is not poured every year. If you are lucky enough to attend the opening of the skating rink, you will have a unique opportunity to skate at a height of 57 meters.

An equally popular French skating rink opens to everyone on the square every year before Christmas. in front of the famous city hall- one of the attractions of Paris.

Kinderdijk, Holland

Sleepy village in 15 kilometers from Rotterdam famous for its windmills. Located along the canals, they serve not only to pump out rising water (most of Holland lies below sea level), but also provide a picturesque setting for a winter skating rink.

Toronto, Canada

It’s easy to guess that there are dozens of open skating rinks in Toronto – the climate not only allows it, but strongly recommends it! One of them - at Nathan Phillips Square- represents a practical and witty solution: in summer it is a rather pretentious fountain, and in winter it is a cozy skating rink, under the “arches of freedom” it is pleasant to cross in the brilliance of the evening lights. Hockey is banned here, but illegal games of shinny (a street version of hockey) often start after 10 pm, when the skating rink keepers leave their post.

Banff Lake Louise Resort, Canada

This skating rink forms when it freezes lake lake louise, surrounded by mountains. No wonder beautiful landscape adorns many Canadian postcards. The resort itself is a 2-hour drive from Calgary.

Ottawa, Canada

When heading to Canada's capital, don't forget to bring your skates. in winter Rideau Canal, connecting Ottawa and Kingston, turns into one of the world's longest skating rinks, stretching across almost the entire city center.

London, Great Britain

Rivers in the UK have not frozen for many years in a row, but ice skating is very popular among residents of Foggy Albion. The best skating rinks are traditionally filled in the most beautiful historical places— near museums, fortresses, squares. The skating rink in South Kensington has become a favorite place for skating enthusiasts and fits perfectly into the city skyline.

Hampton Court is a beautiful tourist attraction, and in winter it turns into an ice skating rink for romantic couples. There is beautiful lighting, a bright carousel, the smell of hot chocolate, as well as appropriate music.

Lake Joux, Switzerland

Transforms into Europe's largest natural ice skating rink Lake Joux in Switzerland. True, it does not work for long, since the lake freezes only for 2-3 winter weeks. But during this period, it hosts figure skating competitions, as well as ice carnival evenings.

Medeo, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has the highest mountain skating rink in the world, which allows it to delight residents and guests of the country for six months. This skating rink is located in sports complex"Medeo", near Almaty. Height at its location ( Medeo mountains) 1,691 meters above sea level, and the area of the ice field is 10.5 square meters. km.

Berlin, Germany

If you find yourself in Berlin in winter, you can have a great time at the outdoor skating rink on Potsdamer Platz. The skating rink itself is not very large - 40 x 15 meters, but it is one of the attractions of the German capital during the cold season. The organizers decided to add the Winterwelt winter amusement park to the ice skating rink with a 70-meter snow slide, from which you can ride both sleds and skis.

Brussels, Belgium

Elegant Brussels invites you to take a ride on one of the main squares of the city, which bears the ancient name of Fish Market Square. Besides great ice and the invariably cheerful Brussels residents (by the way, who navigate the skating rink very professionally), the skating rink offers a lot of entertainment in the surrounding area.

Where would you go for ice skating?

Incredible facts

During the cold season, it is always nice to have an active time skiing or skating.

Skating rinks are usually installed in cities so that you and your family and/or friends can have a good time during the cold season.

In the world great amount places to relax in winter, and here you can get acquainted with twenty of the most interesting outdoor skating rinks in the world.

These skating rinks welcome everyone, from young to old, and their prices are acceptable for any segment of the population.

The skating rinks that made it into the top ten were named by CNN as the most beautiful in the world.

20. Ice skating rink in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has the highest mountain skating rink in the world, which allows it to delight residents and guests of the country for six months. This skating rink is located in the Medeo sports complex, near Almaty. The height at its location (Medeo Mountains) is 1,691 meters above sea level, and the area of the ice field is 10.5 square meters. km.

19. FlevOnice skating rink, Holland

This skating rink can be found in an open field, namely in a little-known Dutch village called Biddinghuizen. Its outlines are similar to racing tracks, so speed skating competitions are held here. It is worth noting that the route stretches for 3 km. There is also a hotel next to the skating rink for everyone. The skating rink is open until February.

18. Skating rink on Lake Joux, Switzerland

This skating rink usually opens at the end of January. It is formed after the freezing of the highest mountain lake in Switzerland - 1,004 meters. This skating rink is also one of the largest in Europe - its area is about 9.5 sq. km. His frequent guests are residents of the neighboring cities of Geneva and Lausanne. Here you can not only go ice skating, but also admire the snow-covered slopes of the Vaudoise Alps.

17. Skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, Canada

Like many of the skating rinks on this list, the skating rink at Nathan Phillips Square is one of the most popular places for residents and visitors to spend their leisure time. It is located in front of the city hall and is painted with many bright lights. It is open until March.

16. Ice skating rink in the city center of Helsinki, Finland

It was filled in November in the center of Helsinki. The skating rink itself is located opposite Railway station Helsinki is called Icepark. It has long become a favorite vacation spot for local residents and city guests. Both adults and children skate here. There are even experienced instructors who will teach you how to skate properly.

15. Skating rink on Lake Weißensee, Austria

Initially, it is worth noting that Weissensee is one of the cleanest and deepest lakes on Earth, and in winter it is the largest skating rink in the old world. The water is so pure that it was awarded the international "Tourism for Tomorrow Award". The skating rink has an area of 6.5 square meters. kilometers, where you can speed up decently on skates.

14. Ice skating rink on the roof of a hotel in Vienna, Austria

This small ice skating rink is located on the roof of the Schloss Wilhelminenberg Hotel. And his total area is 200 sq. meters. Despite the fact that it was opened relatively recently, the skating rink has already become famous due to the fact that it is located on high altitude and from here the capital of Austria is clearly visible.

13. Ice skating rink in Berlin at Potsdamer Platz, Germany

If you happen to be in Berlin in winter, you can have a great time at the outdoor skating rink at Potsdamer Platz. The skating rink itself is not very large - 40 x 15 meters, but is one of the attractions of the German capital during the cold season. Around the skating rink you can find many stalls with treats. But that's not all - the organizers decided to add the Winterwelt winter amusement park to the ice skating rink with a 70-meter snow slide, from which you can ride both sleds and skis.

12. Skating rink in Yosemite National Park, USA

This outdoor ice skating rink in Yosemite Park is not only one of the largest, but also one of the most beautiful in the world, with the towering silhouette of the granite Half Dome Mountain in the background. It is worth noting that the tradition of organizing ice skating in this park dates back to 1928. It was then that the staff of the nature park first decided to flood the abandoned car park with water. Now you can not only skate here, but also rent skates, drink coffee, and have a snack.

11. Hampton Court Ice Rink, London

The site where the skating rink is located is a beautiful tourist attraction, and in winter it turns into an ice skating rink for romantic couples. There is beautiful lighting, a bright carousel, the smell of hot chocolate, as well as appropriate music.

10. Ice skating rink at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

To create this skating rink, 25,000 liters of water were frozen. The result was a slab measuring 45 x 20 meters. It is worth noting that the air temperature here always exceeds 0 degrees, however, despite this, the winter festival has not been canceled, and the organizers have created an ice skating rink that can withstand temperatures up to +30 degrees Celsius.

9. Skating rink on Lake Evergreen, Denver, Colorado, USA (Evergreen Lake)

The skating rink is located 30 minutes from Denver. The entire territory covers an area of almost 35 square meters. km and includes 11 hockey rinks and a huge ice skating arena. Nearby is Evergreen Mountain, decorated with snowy spruce trees. Here you can drink hot chocolate and have a snack.

8. Somerset House Ice Rink, London

If you somehow north wind brings you to London, try visiting the skating rink next to Somerset House - a huge building built at the end of the 18th century in a neoclassical style. In winter, the main attraction of Somerset House is the ice skating rink, where you can not only skate, but also listen to modern music from specially invited DJs. Here you can also snack on cupcakes and drink hot tea.

7. New Year's skating rink with artificial ice at the Eiffel Tower, Paris

The Eiffel Tower is not only the main attraction of the French capital, but also a place where you can have a good time, especially in winter, when the skating rink with an area of 200 square meters is filled. meters. From this skating rink located on the first floor observation deck, you can see Paris in full view from a height of 57 m. 80 people can fit here at the same time. It opened on December 15 and will remain open until the end of February.

6. Big skating rink on Lake Shichahai, Beijing, China

This favorite place local residents and visitors. In the Shichahai area, anyone can rent skates and skate on real ice. With frost, these icy expanses open up to everyone. Here you can find two skating rinks - for professionals and for amateurs. It is worth noting that this lake is actually a connection of three lakes: Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai and is surrounded by historical Chinese architecture.

5. Artificial Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center, New York

This skating rink is one of the most famous in the world. It could be seen in many Hollywood films, surrounded by New York skyscrapers, hundreds of lights, and, of course, a Christmas tree. The skating rink is open from October to April. It was once one of the largest skating rinks, and yet today it can accommodate up to 150 people at a time. It is always popular among residents and guests of the metropolis.

4. The largest ice skating rink in the world: Rideau Canal Ice Rink, Ottawa, Canada

This skating rink near Parliament Hill was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world. It is also protected by UNESCO and extends along the canal between Lake Ontario and the Ottawa River. It's worth noting that the Rideau Canal was built in the 19th century as an emergency waterway between the Great Lakes and Montreal in case of war. Its length is 202 kilometers. The skating rink itself has an area of approximately 150 square meters. km, and its length is 7.8 kilometers. In some places its width reaches 70 meters.

3. Moscow skating rinks: skating rink on Red Square

The skating rink on Red Square in Moscow is one of the most beautiful in the world. Its artificial surface allows residents and guests of the capital to enjoy beautiful view and lighting, and of course the skating process itself. The skating rink will be open until March 16 - opening hours from 10-00 to 00-00.

2. Ice Dream outdoor ice skating rink in Vienna, Austria

Two large skating rinks in the center of the Austrian capital were connected by a small isthmus of ice to create one large skating rink with an area of 6,000 square meters. meters. The isthmus can be used as a acceleration strip. There are many shops around the skating rink where you can buy drinks and food.

1. Outdoor skating rink at Banff & Lake Louise, Canada

This skating rink is formed when Lake Louise, surrounded by mountains, freezes. No wonder the beautiful landscape adorns many Canadian postcards. The resort itself is a 2-hour drive from Calgary. It is worth noting that you can not only skate at the skating rink, but also, if you are cold, warm up.

Recently a new skating rink was opened in St. Petersburg, which is also the largest in the northern capital. We decided to see where else there are skating rinks that impress tourists and locals with their size, and we present a selection of the eleven largest skating rinks in Europe.

(Total 11 photos)

1. Perhaps the largest winter skating rink in the world can be called the mountain lake Lac de Joux in Switzerland: its area is almost 5,000,000 sq.m. Tourists from all over Evprova come to this place to skate. The lake is not only beautiful, but also “exclusive” in a sense: it freezes only for two weeks a year. Therefore, the most experienced ice skating enthusiasts are looking forward to these days with some impatience. During the high season, figure skating competitions and ice carnival evenings are held on Lake Zhu.

2. Lake Paterswoldsemeer, located southwest of the Dutch city of Groningen, is almost half the size of the leader - its area is 2,700,000 sq.m. Paterswoldsemeer is part of the lakes of Groningen-Drenthe. In the warm season, lovers of walks on light sea vessels rush here, and in winter the place turns into a huge ice skating rink. This lake is not only one of the largest in area, but is also the longest skating rink, stretching for as much as 10 km. Its water surface in winter is covered with a durable crust of ice, which lasts until the beginning of spring, allowing thousands of outdoor recreation enthusiasts to enjoy daily skiing.

3. Third place in our ranking of the largest skating rinks in the world is occupied by the Rideau Canal in Canada with an area of 1,620,000 sq.m. The canal stretches through almost the entire center of the Canadian capital, Ottawa, and it is worth noting that in winter, local residents here practically do not take off their skates, quickly using this environmentally friendly form of “transport” to anywhere in the city center. In Ottawa, city authorities even came up with road signs for skating fans: green - go ahead, red - too warm, the ice has lost its strength!

In this case, it is not only the skating rink that is impressive, but also the work of the local Canadian administration.

4. In fourth place is the Mexican capital with its ice skating rink located in the center of Mexico City. The area of the skating rink reaches 32,000 sq.m. and has artificial turf. The skating rink in Mexico City is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest artificial skating rink in the world. In order for the skating rink to exist for a long time, 74 km were laid under the ice. pipes that are connected to special devices that maintain the required temperature.

5. Next on the list of the largest ice arenas is a domestic participant - the skating rink in the park named after. Gorky. The size of the skating rink is 18,000 square meters. meters. There are 4 sectors: dance, children's, basic and hockey. A long wooden bridge runs along paths filled with ice.

6. The new skating rink in Udelny Park in St. Petersburg is currently operating in test mode. The area of this largest skating rink in the city is about 4000 square meters. Photo: Egor Tsvetkov

7. “The main skating rink of Russia” is in 7th place on our list - Red Square in Moscow has become an ice rink for Muscovites and guests of the capital for 6 winters in a row. The open GUM skating rink occupies a tenth of Red Square, and on its territory of 2,700 sq.m, vacationers not only have fun (capacity -450 people), but also hockey matches and figure skating demonstrations are held. A fabulous wooden town has been erected near the ice rink, from where you can watch the skaters.

8. An ice skating rink with almost the same area (2600 sq.m) is available in New York: Wollman Rink is spacious, beautiful, but most importantly, it has become a legend thanks to its participation in numerous romantic scenes in Hollywood films. In reality, the skating rink is just as beautiful as in the movies, and what’s nice is that you can skate here around the clock - an excellent place of leisure for all types of romantics. By the way, the skating rink is already 64 years old—skaters first appeared on its ice back in 1950! A pleasant bonus of a winter holiday at the skating rink is the opportunity to run into a movie star - they say that Wollman Rink is very popular with Jim Carrey, Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman.

9. Every year, the Paris City Hall pleases the townspeople by installing an ice skating rink right next to its walls: everyone enjoys skating in the 1,635 square meter arena. m.

10. Seefeld, Austria.

This quiet Tyrolean village can rival the best international ski resorts. All conditions for winter sports, especially alpine skiing, have been created here. However, those who still have energy left after skiing are invited to the skating rink, open from December to March in the Zillertal valley with an area of 1,500 sq.m.

11. And finally, our hit parade of the most “grand” skating rinks in the world is closed by the arena, although not the largest (only 200 sq.m.), but certainly the most spectacular and romantic, because it is located in the heart of Paris, on the Eiffel Tower, at a height 57 meters. The 200 m² skating rink also offers visitors a stunning panorama of Paris. Ice skating is great fun, and the atmosphere in this place is also supported by French music, as well as original lighting effects. To warm up in this kingdom of metal and ice, there is a bar where you can buy hot coffee, hot wine and other drinks. The ice premiere took place back in 1969, but the ice is not poured every year, and the skating rink is open only until January 31. The skating rink at the Eiffel Tower is also one of the five most visited Christmas skating rinks in the world. Also in great demand among tourists are skating rinks in Vienna at the City Hall, on Museum Square in Amsterdam and in London at the Natural History Museum.

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