There is something truly special about ice skating in Munich in winter. Think crisp Bavarian air, festive city lights, and the simple joy of gliding across the ice with Munich’s grand squares and parks as your backdrop. If you have never visited Munich before, this guide will help you choose the best rinks, plan your journey by public transport, and pick the right time to go.
Below you will find the most popular places for skating, plus tips on tickets, skate hire, and what to expect. We also cover Munich’s brilliant indoor ice scene at SAP Garden, home to top level ice hockey, along with a bonus section on Holiday on Ice at Olympiapark in early January 2026.
Where to go ice skating in Munich
If you want a classic winter atmosphere right in the city centre, Münchner Eiszauber at Karlsplatz (locals often say Stachus) is one of the best places for ice skating in Munich. It is a large, temporary open air rink set up in the square during the winter season, and it is easy to fit into a sightseeing day because of its central location. The official 2025 to 2026 season dates are 21 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, with daily opening times listed by the organiser. Only card payments are accepted, and be sure to bring photo ID for skate hire.
How to get there (public transport and on foot)
Karlsplatz (Stachus) is one of Munich’s biggest transport hubs.
- Public transport: Use Karlsplatz (Stachus) station. It is served by the S-Bahn and the U-Bahn, and the organiser specifically recommends Karlsplatz (Stachus) for public transport arrivals.
- On foot: From Marienplatz, it is a straightforward walk through the city centre. Most visitors take roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on pace and stops.
What to know before you go
Opening times: The organiser lists daily opening hours and special early closing on 24 December, plus separate information for 31 December. Always check the current times on the official site before you head over.
What it feels like: Eiszauber is a long running seasonal attraction with themed days and changing programmes. For instance, on Mondays, anyone wearing Dirndl and Lederhosen gets free entry to “Tracht on Ice“; “Saturday Night Fever“ sees party hits played; and two can skate for the price of one on Sundays.
Practical tip: If you are visiting at peak times (late afternoon, weekends, holiday dates), consider going earlier in the day for more space on the ice.
Public skating and ice sports sessions
SAP Garden lists public ice sports sessions such as ice skating, free skating, ice dancing and figure skating. Skate hire is available on site near the rinks.
A useful planning detail: Tickets for public sessions are released weekly in SAP Garden’s online shop (for the coming week).
How to get there (public transport and on foot)
SAP Garden is in Olympiapark, a well connected part of Munich.
- Public transport: The simplest approach is usually to travel to Olympiazentrum, one of the main gateways to Olympiapark.
- On foot: If you are already visiting Olympiapark sights, SAP Garden is walkable within the park. Expect a longer walk from the city centre, so public transport is best.
What to know before you go
This is one of the best options for ice skating in Munich if the weather is mild or wet, because the ice sports facilities are indoors.
If you want to combine skating with a match night atmosphere, look for a home game date and book ahead. SAP Garden and the club both publish ticket information for upcoming fixtures.
People ice skating in Munich at SAP Garden (Image source: SAP Garden)
Prinzregentenstadion is a long established favourite for open air skating, and it is run within Munich’s wider public leisure infrastructure.
How to get there (public transport and on foot)
- Public transport: The closest underground stop is Prinzregentenplatz (U Bahn line U4), with a walk from there to the stadium.
- From the city centre: It is easy by public transport, and can also be combined with a stroll in nearby park areas if you have time.
What to know before you go
Because opening times can vary by weekday and by public sessions versus schools or clubs, always check the official listing before you travel.
If you want a traditional outdoor rink experience, this is one of the best picks for ice skating in Munich.
The Ice and Fun Sports Center East is another key municipal venue for skating.
How to get there (public transport)
- U Bahn: Use U5 or U7 to Michaelibad
- Then either take bus 199 to the “Ostpark Eislaufzentrum” stop, or walk approximately 900 meters to reach the venue.
What to know before you go
Eis und Funsportzentrum Ost has both indoor and outdoor ice areas, and the public sessions vary by day. Use the official schedule so you arrive during a public slot that suits you.
This venue is a strong choice for ice skating in Munich if you want a more local, sports focused setting rather than a seasonal city centre event.
On the western side of the city, Eis und Funsportzentrum West is another major municipal ice venue.
How to get there (public transport)
The official route guidance includes:
- S Bahn to Pasing
- Then bus 130 to Am Knie, followed by a walk of roughly 600 metres
What to know before you go
This is a good option for visitors who want a less tourist centred session of ice skating in Munich.
Best months for skating
For most visitors, late November through early January is peak season for open air skating events in the city centre, especially when Munich’s Christmas markets are running.
Eiszauber’s official dates for 2025 to 2026 run from 21 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, making it one of the clearest seasonal anchors for planning.
If you are visiting outside the festive window, SAP Garden is an excellent alternative because it runs organised ice sports sessions across much of the year, and it publishes schedules and ticketing through its own calendar.
Best times of day
Morning and early afternoon sessions are often calmer for beginners. Early evening can be lively and atmospheric, especially at Eiszauber.
Weekends and holiday periods are busiest, so book ahead where possible and arrive early.
What to know before you go
What to wear
Even indoor ice can feel cold when you are standing still. Dress in layers that you can adjust, and bring:
- Warm socks
- Gloves
- A hat or headband if you feel the cold
- A small backpack so your hands stay free
Skate hire and tickets
Most major venues offer skate hire, but it’s always worth checking the current details before you set off. SAP Garden confirms a skate hire centre near the rinks.
For Eiszauber, use the official site for season dates and opening times, then check on the day if there are any special programmes or time blocks that affect your visit.
Be sure to bring photo ID as this may be required for skate hire.
Safety and etiquette
If you are new to skating, choose a quieter session, skate near the edge until you find your balance, and take regular breaks. Many rinks have a friendly mix of locals and visitors, so a little patience goes a long way.
Natural ice skating and curling in Munich
When Munich has a truly cold winter, some natural water surfaces can freeze and become a tempting place for skating or Eisstockschießen (a traditional Bavarian ice sport similar to curling). The key word here is safety: conditions change quickly, and the City of Munich and local police regularly warn against stepping onto ice that is not proven to be load bearing.
If conditions are safe, Nymphenburg Palace Canal is one of the most famous places for winter ice activity in Munich. Munich’s official portals describe it as a popular spot for skating and Eisstockschießen when the ice is thick enough.
How to get there (public transport)
Nymphenburg Palace and its canal are ideal to visit from KING’s Hotels Munich, because it is straightforward to reach from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), which is just a few minute’s walk away from all three hotels in the group.
The simplest and most direct way from Munich Central Station is to take Tram 17 from Hauptbahnhof Nord. Tram 17 runs frequently and will take you to the stop called Schloss Nymphenburg. From that tram stop it’s a short walk to the palace grounds and the canal area. This journey takes around 25 minutes by tram.
When you arrive at Schloss Nymphenburg stop, follow the signs toward the palace and the gardens. From the palace grounds you can reach the adjoining canal by footpaths that run alongside the waterway.
Important safety note
Do not assume the canal is safe just because you see people on it. Always follow official warnings and signage, and if authorities state ice surfaces are unsafe, do not enter.
Kleinhesseloher See, a lake in the English Garden, is a possible spot for skating and watching curlers when it freezes. As with the canal, this depends entirely on conditions and safety.
How to get there (public transport and on foot)
The English Garden has multiple entrances and many transport options nearby. Your best stop depends on where you want to enter the park, then you walk to the lake area. If you are new to Munich, it is easiest to plan with a live route planner on the day.
Beyond skating: ice hockey in Munich at SAP Garden
Even if you don’t skate, catching an ice hockey match is one of the most exciting ways to experience Munich’s winter sports culture. EHC Red Bull München plays home games in the SAP Garden, and the arena is its home venue for German top league fixtures.
If you do both, you get the full winter story: public sessions for ice skating in Munich, then professional level speed and atmosphere in the evening.
A scene from the Holiday on Ice show (Image source: Olympiapark.de)
If you’re visiting Munich in early January, Holiday on Ice brings its show Cinema of Dreams to Munich’s Olympic Hall at Olympiapark from Friday 2 January to Sunday 4 January, 2026. This is a spectacular live production combining figure skating with cinematic storytelling.
How to get there
Olympiapark is served by U-Bahn connections to Olympiazentrum, plus other local transport options. If you are already visiting SAP Garden or Olympiapark sights, you can combine them easily on the same day.
Why it is worth adding to your itinerary
For many visitors, it is the perfect evening plan after a day of ice skating in Munich: warm indoor seating, world class skating, and a big show atmosphere in one of the city’s most iconic event areas.
Ice Skating in Munich: Final thoughts
For first time winter visitors, ice skating in Munich is one of the easiest ways to feel part of the city. You can keep it simple with a festive session at Karlsplatz, go sporty at SAP Garden, or choose a classic open air rink like Prinzregentenstadion.
If the weather turns properly icy, Munich’s palace canal and park lakes can add a postcard worthy layer to the trip, but only when conditions are officially safe.
Plan your venue, check the current session times, and use public transport to keep your winter day stress free. Munich does winter beautifully, and out on the ice is one of the best places to enjoy it.
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