Munich offers you several opportunities to go ice skating both indoors and outdoors. Most of these ice rinks are artificial, but there is also the option of skating on the city’s waterways, as long as they are clear. One of these bodies of water allows you to skate on natural ice against a majestic backdrop, making the experience a romantic one.
A royal dance on the ice
When it gets cold enough in Munich for the lakes and ponds to freeze over, you can skate on them. The Nymphenburg Palace Canal is particularly popular for this. With the palace in the background, you can glide along the canal on natural ice in the open air and feel like a member of the royal family. It is particularly romantic if you have previously learned ice dancing at the Prinze and move elegantly across the ice with a partner. If you don’t have your own skates, you can hire some for a small fee, which you can use on the castle traffic circle and in front of the Hubertusbrunnen.
If you need more action, you can also play ice hockey instead. Even if you don’t like skating, you can still get active on the Nymphenburg Palace Canal. Between Gerner Brücke and Hubertusstraße as well as on the castle traffic circle, you can go curling. Curling sticks can be hired on site and there is also a floodlight system available so that you can continue to have fun after dark.
There are usually also refreshment stands along the Nymphenburg Palace Canal so that you can fortify yourself in between or warm up with a mulled wine. Once you’ve had enough of ice skating, you can take a walk through the palace ‘s spacious park. Or you can visit the botanical garden, which is free of charge in winter.
Beware of the risk of burglary
Winter sports on the city’s waterways are only possible if the ice surfaces are stable and have been cleared by the city. If they are not, you should not step onto the ice under any circumstances, otherwise you could break in. The Nymphenburg Palace Canal is up to five meters deep in places and should therefore not be underestimated.
The thickness of the ice is measured regularly and is indicated by signs. You can also call the green space supervisor or the relevant administration if you have any questions or are unsure. The Nymphenburg Palace Administration is responsible for the Nymphenburg Palace Canal and can be contacted on (089) 17908-0.