Where to Go Ice Skating in Northern Bohemia

Ice skating is just as much a part of winter as skiing or cross-country skiing, and in Northern Bohemia there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. When temperatures stay low enough for long enough, reservoirs, ponds and larger bodies of water can turn into natural skating rinks surrounded by winter scenery. And if you would rather not depend on the weather, you can head to one of the region’s ice arenas and take advantage of regular public skating sessions.

When skating on natural ice, however, safety always comes first. Conditions can change quickly, and even several days of freezing temperatures do not automatically mean that the ice is thick enough to be safe. Before stepping onto any frozen body of water, always check current conditions, follow advice from local authorities, reservoir operators or emergency services, and never go onto the ice if you are unsure about its safety.

So where should you go? We have selected several places across Northern Bohemia where natural ice skating is popular when conditions allow, as well as ice arenas where you can enjoy skating regardless of the weather.

Also worth considering is Fojtka Reservoir in Mníšek near Liberec. It has a quieter atmosphere and tends to attract fewer visitors than the reservoir in Jablonec. There is also a refreshment stand by the water where you can warm up. Not far from Fojtka, in the village of Mlýnice, you will find the lesser-known Mlýnice Reservoir, where you may sometimes have almost the entire ice surface to yourself.

The Bohemian Paradise also offers several places worth heading to with your skates in winter. In Sedmihorky, you can try Bažantník Pond, better known as a summer swimming spot but equally charming in winter. Sedmihorky is also an excellent starting point for exploring Hruboskalsko. Winter lends the sandstone rock towns a very special atmosphere, with far fewer visitors than during the main season.

Another option near Turnov is Malý Písečák and Velký Písečák in Příšovice. The Podtrosecké Ponds are another popular destination, where skating can turn into something close to a winter journey through the landscape. When conditions allow, several ponds can offer longer skating routes framed by forests and sandstone scenery, making them particularly attractive to more experienced skaters looking for a truly natural setting.

You might also think of heading to Lake Kristýna near Hrádek nad Nisou, but unfortunately skating has not been possible there for several years. Public skating is available directly in Hrádek nad Nisou at the North Point sports centre, which offers regular sessions for the public. If you prefer the reliability of an artificial ice rink, Northern Bohemia has plenty of options. You can visit the Ludvík Košek Ice Arena in Turnov, for example. In Liberec, Svijanská Arena offers a large ice rink and regular public skating sessions.

Another option is the ice arena in Frýdlant, which is particularly convenient for visitors staying in the northern part of the region. You can also skate in Česká Lípa, where the ice arena is part of a sports complex on the banks of the Ploučnice River, or in Lomnice nad Popelkou, a town with a long skating tradition and the friendly atmosphere of a smaller sports venue.

Whether you are drawn to natural ice surrounded by winter scenery or prefer the regular schedule of an ice arena, Northern Bohemia offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy skating during the colder months. Each place has its own atmosphere – all you need to do is choose your favourite and set off.