The city center of my town, Amsterdam, Netherlands, has several very nice ice rinks, and open water where ice skating is possible in the winter. they are temporary and are removed at the end of time. They are cheap – always under five coins – and are located within walking distance of museums, tourist attractions and shops. There is no rental and they are, all in, easily accessible to locals and tourists. I visit all these places often, throughout the year, because there is always something going on. Actually, one of the reasons I came to live in this town is this neighborhood. Small ice rinks in the city center came two decades after my arrival, and I personally used Museumplein IJsbaan and Dam IJsbaan . They certainly add an atmospheric flavor to the city.
Museumplein IJsbaan
The most beautiful: Museumplein oblong lake in the museum quarter of Amsterdam, transformed into Museumplein IJsbaan in Winter, ICE* Amsterdam. Museumplein IJsbaan was already in the 19th century, which I did not know. After several decades it was closed World War Two and twelve years later it was reopened. Institutions with art to consider are close next door neighbors: the National Rijksmuseum (which recently reopened after renovations); the Van Gogh Museum, and the Concert hall. The air ice rink is open, but part of it will be covered by a tent. There is also a boat rental, it costs about five coins per person. The season is likely to start at the end of November and end at the beginning of February. The entrance fee is three in cash for adults, and children under twelve have free entry. There are events and demonstrations. Opening hours: 10:00 am — 20:00 pm daily. Trams 2, 5, 6, 7, and 10 stop near the ice rink and the museum. More information, such as their calendar of events, will be coming soon on their website.
Jaap Edenbaan
Jaap Edenbaan is the only great ice skating park for more ambitious athletic use. Not far from the city center. Tram 9 and bus 15 pass, and the car park costs ten euro cents per hour with a maximum of four hours. An outdoor marathon skating rink, and an indoor hockey and ice skating rink. Advent begins on November 9. The entrance fee is 6.50 euros for adults, 3.90 euros for children from 3 to 15 years of age. There are several subscription options, such as a ticket for 10 entries. There are lockers that cost about a euro. There is also a dance room with a mirrored wall (which I didn’t know about). There is an event and club calendar with tabs for each day of the week. ‘Recreation’ means individual skaters without a club membership. In addition, the names of the clubs and their hours of presence are listed each day. Everyone Saturday night, 20:40 pm — 23:30 pm is the youth — there chorus of musicians; Gloves are prescribed, and marathon skates are not allowed. I often used Jaap Edenbaan, the ice rink is nice. However, those with a greater interest in marathon ice skating, prefer marathon ice rinks in these cities outside of Amsterdam: Haarlem and Alkmaar. Those ice rinks are bigger than the ones in Amsterdam, so you can really stretch out there. Professional skaters in Haarlem and Alkmaar also use the ice parks. Personally, I grew up near the ice rink in Haarlem and used it frequently. Since I left, it has grown into a major attraction with a hotel, media facilities, and much more.
Channel Free Skating
The canal of Amsterdam is listed in Unesco world heritage, because of its architecture and water. Dutch waters are part of the states in the northern central plain, and the area below sea level. The best conditions for street skating are from city to city, which is traditionally the most popular here. In the sixteenth century the painters Hendrick Avercamp and Pieter Brueghel immortalized winter fun. In the center of the city of Amsterdam, several canals are closed to boats and waterways to enable skating, with the promise of storms forecast prolonged frost. It is an attractive place to skate between the ships, to use their places, and to be able to reach them by foot. It is a great experience to enjoy the city and the architecture of the ice. Even the tourists found it, as they found cycling. Be careful under the bridges, because the ice tends to be thinner there. It’s a free price and a great time product, but not too expensive. Nor is he safe from frost, because colds cannot occur. It is prudent to follow the ice weather report on television or on the national ice skatingsite Schaatsen.nl.
Leidseplein IJsbaan and Dam IJsbaan
In some fifteen minutes walking distance from Museumplein IJsbaan, you will find Leidseplein IJsbaan, later this month. Amsterdam’s Leidseplein is the heart of the city’s night life and shopping. His ice skating season is expected from mid-November until January 13. This is a small, temporary ice rink, built every year in the coffee shop, which is very busy during the summer months. It opens at 10:00 and closes late in the evening: on Saturdays and Sundays at midnight, on other days of the week at 23:00 in the afternoon. Trams 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 10 stop here. It does not use real ice, it is made from frozen water. Instead, he uses an artificial, soap bar similar material. It’s safe and doesn’t feel too fake. On weekdays, the Christmas market will be open next to Leidseplein IJsbaan, every year. It offers especially warm winter snacks, sweets, and drinks. All in all, it’s a very nice area for recreational skating in the city center, with all its other attractions.
If you walk some twenty-five minutes further, you will reach Dam Square, the real heart of Amsterdam and the main square. It is located next to the Royal Palace and the National War Memorial, and is within walking distance of the main train station. I have been here several times with my children. It is very similar to the Leidseplein IJsbaan: The same quality, the same artificial ice, but the size is slightly larger. There is no rental, and it is not medical. I haven’t seen information about prices and opening hours yet. The season is expected to begin in mid-November. It is atmospheric at Christmas. If you have the chance to go there, you really should.
