It may still be winter in Austria but there’s every reason to enjoy the season even outdoors. One of the best ways to explore the outdoors in this chilly weather is to enjoy the Vienna Ice Dream or Wiener Eistraum at the city hall.
Each year from January to March, the Vienna city hall becomes a winter wonderland with its sprawling ice skating area spanning 7,000 square meters. To give you a clear picture, two large ice-skating rinks are joined together via small and winding paths that lead to the city hall park. The 450 square meter rink is for beginners while the other is a 750-meter long ice skating trail.
Skaters and those who want to learn to skate on ice will surely enjoy the place as it’s packed with people of all ages day and night. With a festive atmosphere like this, any visitor can expect to feel warm and cozy.
Should you go hungry after a round of skating or strolling, there’s no need to go anywhere else as there are lots of booths around serving local and organic food specialties and drinks such as punch, mulled wine, warm milk, hot chocolate and tea. Sweet treats are also on hand as well as pastries including pancakes, waffles and sausages.
After dark, the entire square is a place to marvel at what with its colorful lights. Just by being there to stroll with your partner, loved ones or friends to view the lights show and listen to the DJs playing their music on stage, you will surely treasure every moment.
The Vienna Ice Dream area closes at 10 p.m. every day. Last year, more than half a million people or 590,000 to be exact visited the place to enjoy ice skating.
