Even the most ardent detractors of Danish weather have to admit that every winter’s cloud has a silver lining. The cold brings with it the chance to experience moments of memorable hilarity – is there anything funnier than watching your dad slip over? – or romantic rapture as you cling to your better half or object of desire.
So, who has never dreamed of experiencing the feeling of flying and moving as elegantly and as lightly as a sylph? Barring heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures and an all-clear to skate on the Lakes, here are the artificial rinks where you can realise your fantasies!
Ice Skating
Various venues in Greater Cph; several rinks open this weekend, others Dec 1
Blågårds Plads
In winter this square wears its most beautiful look thanks to the lights and colours of Christmas as it turns into an ice skating rink. Enjoy the atmosphere of the Christmas Celebration at one of the most historical and charming places in the heart of Nørrebro, surrounded by Kai Nielsen’s early 20th century statues of crafts and artsmen. The community centre offers hot chocolate, coffee, sandwiches and soups.
Blågårds Plads 1, Cph N; opens Dec 1, open Mon-Fri 10:00–21:00, Sat 11:00–18:00, Sun 11:00–17:00; free adm, skate hire 40kr per hour (rental of skates stops one hour before closing); 3535 7770, idraetshuset@kff.kk.dk; www.fritidkbh.dk
Frederiksberg Runddel
Opposite the Frederiksberg Gardens, in the 16th century picturesque setting of the Frederikbergs Rundell, surrounded by lights, sparkling through the branches of trees, experience the idyllic smooth atmosphere of Christmas at this ice-skating rink.
Frederiksberg Runddel 1, Frederiksberg; opens Sat, open Mon-Fri 11:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun and holidays 12:00-20:00; free adm, skate rental 45kr; kultur-fritid@frederiksberg.dk, 4010 6050; www.frederiksberg.dk
Lindevangsparken
Tighten your laces every moment of the day and the night, collect all your strength and launch off for an ice-skating marathon with no limits of time at this eco-friendly ice rink. This is the best way to kill any excess calories gained at the julefrokost.
Dalgas Boulevard 1, Frederiksberg; opens Sun, open 24 hours a day except Tue-Thu from 14:30–17:00; free adm, no skate rental
Genforeningspladsen
Like every year, the largest ice rink in Northern Europe welcomes both amateur and professional ice-skaters to take advantage of its massive 5,000 sqm rink.
Between Hulgårdsvej and Borups Allé, Cph N; opens Dec 1, every day from 10:00–22:00; free adm, skate rental 40kr per hour (rental ends at 19:00); 3810 0592, infogroendal@kff.kk.dk
Toftegårds Plads
The ice rink at Kongens Nytorv will be closed until 2018 due to the ongoing Metro works. However, the City Council has finally upgraded Toftegårds Plads, revitalising it with a 1,500 sqm ice rink. The nearby Valby Culture Center sells hot chocolate and drinks.
Toftegårds Alle, Valby; open until Mar 31, Mon-Fri 11:00–22:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–22:00; free adm, skate rental 45kr per hour
