The eight best natural ice rinks in Switzerland Nature in its purest form! During the winter in Switzerland, small mountain lakes, flat expanses of land and even hiking trails are transformed into enticing ice rinks.
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Intro
Whereas the ice on artificial ice rinks is produced using technical processes, and thus using valuable resources, this ice rink is completely natural. And that’s not all! Each natural ice rink is unique and beautiful in its own way thanks to its surroundings and scenic backdrop.
Ice as far as the eye can see An enormous frozen paradise on the largest body of water in the Jura massif.
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Lac de Joux, Vallée de Joux
When the snowy blanket of winter settles, there is plenty of family fun to be had on the ice far away from the hustle and bustle of the big ski resorts. In the cold winter months, the frozen lake turns into a wonderful playground for all kinds of winter sports from ice skating to ice sailing. At certain times throughout the season when Lac de Joux is frozen solid, thousands of visitors enjoy the thrill of skating on the ice-covered waters.
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The changeable mountain lake Practice pirouettes with a panoramic view of the Fribourg Pre-Alps.
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Schwarzsee, Senseland
The perfect place for a refreshing dip in summer, Lake Schwarzsee unveils a very different landscape in winter. As soon as the mountain lake in the canton of Fribourg has frozen and is safe to walk on, young and old alike are drawn to its icy surface. Whether they are playing a game of hockey, practicing a salchow jump or just leisurely gliding over the ice, seeing the 0.5-km2 Lake Schwarzsee in its frozen state and skating in front of a breathtaking mountain backdrop is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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Small, but exquisite The children’s eyes light up as they take in the natural landscape of the Appenzell region.
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Glandenstein natural ice rink, Weissbad
Deep in the Appenzell region, it would be a crime to just huddle up in a cosy shelter as soon as the temperatures drop. Because this is when Glandenstein transforms into a romantic, natural skating paradise unlike any other. In the perfect setting outside the village of Weissbad, winters sports enthusiasts of all ages are drawn to the natural ice.
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The first ice track in Switzerland Transforming a hiking trail into a skating adventure – a unique opportunity to whizz through the snow-covered forests of the Albula valley.
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Skateline Albula, Albula
Ever wondered what it would be like to glide along a hiking trail on ice skates? The Graubünden town of Surava can make your dreams a reality. On the first ever ice trail in Switzerland, winter sports enthusiasts have the unique opportunity to whizz through the snow-covered forests of the Albula valley. Visitors to the three kilometres of skateline can enjoy action-packed skating in one of the most romantic settings.
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High above the clouds One of the highest ice rinks in Europe awaits you against a mighty Alpine backdrop.
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Alp Raguta natural ice rink, Feldis
Ice skating, curling or Bavarian curling – it’s amazing what you can do at 1,900 metres above sea level. Just a five-minute walk from the upper station, one of the highest natural ice fields in Europe offers plenty of fun on the slopes. And the views? Simply breathtaking. The mountains are close enough to touch. In the Alp Raguta mountain hut, right next to the 800-m2 ice rink, your ice princes and princesses can feast on traditional Graubünden specialties.
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Often described as “Little Canada” – and with good reason Experience the magic of ice skating on a frozen lake in the charming French-speaking Valais village.
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Champex-Lac, Orsières
Champex-Lac is a small and unassuming, French-speaking holiday village in Valais. But appearances can be deceptive. In winter when Valais is at its most beautiful, the eponymous lake at 1,470 metres above sea level becomes the most stunning natural ice rink. Gliding over the frozen lake is an experience not to be missed – and don’t forget to take in the stunning views as you go. With its vast forests, lake and log cabins, it’s easy to see how it earned the nickname “Little Canada”.
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The impressive vista of the Aletsch Arena In the car-free Valais village of Bettmeralp, you can curve through the slopes of natural ice.
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Bettmeralp, Aletsch Arena
For anyone who loves the thrill of the ice, there is surely no better place to practice an elegant pirouette or shoot a puck into an opponent’s goal than the Bettmeralp, with ever more breathtaking views of the Aletsch Arena revealed every way you turn! The natural ice rink is located near the Bachtla sports centre in the car-free resort of Bettmeralp. Ice skating at 1,950 metres above sea level is guaranteed to create a sense of peace and relaxation amongst the wonders of nature.
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The natural wonder of the Alps In the winter, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes becomes a playground to explore.
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Oeschinensee, Kandersteg
In the idyllic Bernese mountain village of Kandersteg, there is little to suggest that one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps is just a cable car ride away. But since being listed as part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, Lake Oeschinen is no longer a hidden gem. With its deep blue waters and unique location, the lake attracts many guests every year – and justifiably so. From spring through to autumn, the lake spanning 1.1km2 is fed by the glacial streams that flow in from the surrounding 3,000-metre peaks. In winter, however, this natural phenomenon is transformed into an enchanting ice rink, which can be explored on two well-marked “Ice Walks”.