Where to Go Ice-Skating in Reykjavík

Ice-skating is a fun winter activity and Reykjavík offers a couple good options for those looking to show off their skills. Whether it’s at a large indoor skating rink or at a small outside rink next to a cosy Christmas market, ice-skating is a fun activity for visitors and locals of all ages. Read this article to find out more about Reykjavík’s ice-skating rinks.

Do you want to go ice-skating, but did you forget to pack your ice skates? No problem, at Skautahöllin (Skating Hall), you can just rent them. This skating hall is located in Laugardalur, a popular recreational area where you will also find Reykjavík’s botanical garden, a zoo, and a large pool. With a rink of 1,800 square metres, it is pretty big, so perfect for those who want to work out a bit. It can accommodate up to 1,000 people. They also offer disco skating, during which popular songs are played and disco lights are lighting up the place.

For picturesque Christmas moments, head to the ice-skating rink in downtown Reykjavík. During Advent, a small Christmas market is set up on Ingólfstorg square. Designers and craftsmen will set up their booths, and the Icelandic Yule Lads and their father Leppalúði and will make their appearance at the market. You will be able to sample and buy local delicacies and arts and crafts. Also, next to the market a cosy, beautifully decorated ice rink with ice-skate rental is set up. Entry is free of charge if you bring your own skates! Show off your ice-skating skills on the ice, and then warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.

Tjörnin is a lake in downtown Reykjavík where the city’s modern City Hall is flanked by some of the city’s loveliest houses from the turn of the century on both sides of the lake. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists to look at ducks and swans, and for going for an afternoon stroll. In wintertime, the lake can freeze over, and the ice can get thick enough to walk, ice skate, or even play football on. Of course, we can’t predict when it will get cold enough for the lake to freeze over, but it happens regularly in winter. The City of Reykjavík sometimes clears off snow on part of the lake when it’s sub-zero but sunny out, creating a natural public ice rink. Inhabitants of Reykjavík and visitors flock together to enjoy some fun time on the ice.

In the neighbourhood Grafarvogur outside of the downtown area, there is a large ice rink. It’s part of the sports and recreation complex Egilshöll, that contains an inside football field, a fitness centre, a cinema, a bowling centre, and a pizza restaurant, among others. The ice rink has limited opening hours for the public, for instance from 13:00-16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, because figure skating teams and ice hockey teams need time to practice there, too. Find more opening hours on Egilshöll website.