Ice skating
Ice skating and ice skating are not the same: from sprinting to figure skating all the way to more unusual activities such as curling and ice stock sport (also known as German curling) – ice offers a lot of opportunities for sporting activities. Here you can find out where you can go skating in the region.
Dresden
In Dresden, the ice rink and the ice skating track invite skaters. In the winter, the ice rink, located on Ostragehege, is open on weekends and Wednesdays. On certain dates there is also an “ice disco”. Since opening hours may change due to events and tournaments, it is wise to phone or check the internet before going.
The ice skating track, also located on Ostragehege, is the open-air alternative for ice sprinters. Opening hours here may also vary due to events.
Figure skating
If you are interested in figure skating (as a hobby or professionally), then the “Dresdner Eislauf-Club” and the “Dresdner Eislauf- und Sportverein DESV “Elbflorenz”” are the associations for you. These clubs also train in the ice rink on Ostragehege.
Ice Stock Sport (“German curling”)
Ice stock sport – also known as German curling – is, as the name suggests, a sport that has a certain similarity to curling. If you would like to try it out, then get in touch with the university sports association of the TU Dresden. They have an ice stock sport group that trains regularly in the ice rink on Ostragehege during the winter months.
Tharandt / Freital
Located in Freital, the Hains Freizeitzentrum is a large sports facility that, in addition to swimming, sauna, tennis or bowling, also offers the chance to go ice skating. There is even a special area for beginners. Ice disco and ice carnival are a regular part of the annual programme.
Geising
Located in the Osterzgebirge near Altenberg is the indoor skating rink Geising (“Gründelstadion”). In addition to the normal skating activities, Geising offers a special form of fun on ice: curling. This sport is played on long so-called “sheets”. The aim of the two teams playing against each other is to slide the stone across the ice and place it close to the centre of the target circle, called the house, at the other end of the “sheet”.
More ice skating
During the winter skating season, some cities and towns set up smaller skating rinks close to the city or even in the downtown area. Or permission is given to skate on frozen ponds and streams. Those bodies of water that have not been officially approved for skating should best be avoided.