Unfortunately for the Dutch, it’s not cold enough all year round to go ice skating on the canals. When the barometer drops below zero, the Dutch go crazy and can’t stop staring at the weather and conversations rest solely on that ultimate skate feeling. In short, Dutch people like ice skating and some of them go wild just thinking about it. What better way to enjoy the sights of Amsterdam with your family or loved one than skating around on the frozen canals, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying the ice.
Ice skating in Amsterdam.
Obviously, the ice needs to be really strong to hold all those determined skaters and this only happens when it’s below zero. It’s been a couple of years since people skated in Amsterdam but last winter the canals outside of Amsterdam froze up, strong enough to skate on.
Every Friday during the cold weather periods, there is a skating trip from 15km to 25KM. It starts between 20.15 and 20.30 near to the Cafe Vertigo Film museum in the Vondelpark. It’s free and if you don’t have skates, you can rent them out at Vondeltuin.
However, you don’t have to miss out on the ice-fever if the temperature gets too warm. There are several locations to skate in the center of Amsterdam. There is one at the Museumplein and another one is located at the Damsquare. Both are pretty small but they are free and very romantic.
For those speed merchants, you can check out a larger rink at the JAAP EDEN COMPLEX which can be easily reached by tra (9) and walking a few blocks. You can call or check the website http://www.jaapeden.nl/ (in dutch) for hours/times.
Bring your own or rent there!
Address: Radioweg 64 1098 NJ Amsterdam
Phone: 0206949652
Directions: can be reached by tram 9 and buses 15, 59, 67, 120, 126, 136 and 157. Exit at Kruislaan / Middenweg or Linnaeusparkweg / Kruislaan. (might need to call or ask someone to be sure!)
