Glide into Nordic winter: Ice skating in Helsinki
Ready to lace up your skates like a true Finn? In a country that lives and breathes hockey, it’s no surprise that ice skating is a quintessential way to spend a winter day. Whether you’re facing the ice for the first time or channeling your inner NHL star, Helsinki’s ice rinks guarantee a fun time – for free! Head to picturesque neighbourhoods, sports parks and unexpected locations with these Helsinki ice skating tips.
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1. Where to go ice skating in Helsinki
The ice skating season depends heavily on weather conditions. Most public ice rinks in Helsinki close at the end of February, whereas Brahenkenttä usually stays open until mid-March.
Scroll down for tips on where to buy or hire a pair of skates!
From local parks to the open sea
Brahe Sports Field (Brahenkenttä)
A local favourite in Kallio, Brahe Sports Field has a spacious ice rink by several tram lines and near the Sörnäinen metro. A great spot for both beginners and seasoned skaters, the rink is divided in two: casual skating and hockey. It’s the only rink where you can hire ice skates in Helsinki, as well as helmets, hockey sticks and small ice sleds for kids. The park café and vending machines will help keep your energy up!
Johanneksenkenttä Ice Rink
This charming artificial ice rink near the gothic St. John’s Church offers a picturesque setting. Its central location in the middle of the Design District makes it ideal for visitors looking to enjoy some winter fun amidst cultural city exploration.
Käpylä Sports Park
An old horse trotting track near exhibition centre Messukeskus, Käpylä Sports Park is a popular ice skating spot amongst locals. Easy to get to by tram or bus, it’s a great choice if you’re visiting Helsinki with kids – there are small skating sleds available to help little ones stay on their feet! A 20-minute walk away, you can stroll through the idyllic wooden houses and Kumpula Allotment Garden.
Lauttasaari Sports Park
A short metro or tram ride away, Lauttasaari Sports Park is a local treasure with a well-maintained ice rink – and a chance to experience the city’s archipelago charm. The island neighbourhood feel makes it a great choice for families.
Jätkäsaari Sports Park
With a whole football field iced over, you’re unlikely to run out of space ice skating in Jätkäsaari Sports Park. By multiple tram lines and modern hotels, near the sea, it’s a convenient location for an active day outdoors – and close to the architectural masterpiece and sauna complex Löyly!
Smooth Glides
Helsinki
Oulunkylä Sports Park
Two train stops north from central Helsinki, Oulunkylä Sports Park is home to Finland’s first trotting track from 1884. Now, in wintertime, you can enjoy a family-friendly ice rink with an onsite café. There’s also a service to get your skates sharpened!
Oulunkylä’s ice rink is under renovation until the end of 2025.
Eläintarha Sports Park
If you’re keen to practice your speed on skates, Eläintarha Sports Park in Taka-Töölö offers a natural ice rink, where you can skate around the whole field track. Sitting next to the iconic 1952 Olympic Stadium, the park has been in use since 1910.
Malmi Airport
Every winter since 2022, the old Helsinki-Malmi Airport has been turned into a natural ice rink. The frozen highway of about 700 metres, a bus ride from Kamppi to north-eastern Helsinki, is definitely a unique ice skating experience!
On the sea
A winter trip to Helsinki promises magical things – and ice skating on the Baltic Sea may just be one of them! If it’s a consistently cold winter, the sea freezes over, making it possible to skate or ski on it. Some winters, an area by the decks in Kruununhaka is made into a beautiful ice skating spot. For more nature, you can go tour skating on the sea from Kallahti in Vuosaari. Just make sure to never go on your own without a guarantee it’s safe!
More ice rinks and halls in Helsinki
For more ice rinks, check out these local sports parks: Laajasalo, Pukinmäki, Lassila, Aino Ackten, Arabianranta, Kaisaniemi, Mustikkamaa, Meilahti, Munkkiniemi, Tehtaanpuisto, and Väinämöisenkenttä.
Check the opening times for all ice rinks here.
Some of Helsinki’s indoor ice halls offer weekly ice skating slots for the public during winters. Look into the Helsinki Ice Hall, Paloheinä, Malmi, Salmisaari, Vuosaari, Kaarela, or Herttoniemi ice halls.
2. Tips for smooth glide! Where to hire ice skates in Helsinki
The Brahenkenttä Sports Field is the only public ice rink with a skate rental service, but you can head to the nearest Kierrätyskeskus recycling centre or Fida charity shop to buy a cheap pair. Alternatively, there are online rental services like Hygglo and Liizi where locals offer equipment for hire.
3. There’s no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing!
Helsinki winters can be chilly, even when skating, so opt for thermal layers, a proper coat, gloves, and a hat. Don’t forget warm socks to keep your feet comfortable in skates – it will take a moment to adjust! Helmets are a smart choice for young children, and a warm blanket or your thickest coat can come in handy when taking breaks.
4. From ice-skating to ice-swimming…to sauna!
Ice skating is just one of many fun activities in wintry Helsinki. After a day on the ice, warm up in a public sauna or explore market squares for local crafts and treats. Families will love sledding hills, or a visit to the magical Winter Garden. For a day indoors, enjoy Helsinki’s many museums and galleries.
Winter in Helsinki isn’t always cold, but it is cool.
