Wiener Eistraum 2026 Opens Its 31st Season

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Mayor Michael Ludwig and City Councillor Barbara Novak visit construction site ahead of Thursday’s opening

Vienna, 22 January 2026 – This Thursday marks the start of the 31st season of the Wiener Eistraum, Vienna’s iconic winter attraction. Since its debut in 1996—exactly 30 years ago—the event has become a beloved fixture of the city’s cultural calendar and is now considered one of Europe’s largest mobile ice-skating venues.

Running for 46 days, one week longer than last year, the Wiener Eistraum will welcome visitors daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

With more than 10,000 m² of ice, seven large skating areas—six of them interconnected—and the spectacular Sky Rink on the first level stretching across the entire Rathausplatz, the 2026 edition once again offers an ice experience unmatched anywhere in the world.

City leadership visits construction site

Construction work is progressing at full speed. On Tuesday morning, Mayor Michael Ludwig and City Councillor for Economic Affairs Barbara Novak visited the large-scale site at Rathausplatz.

Mayor Michael Ludwig emphasized the event’s significance: “For 30 years, the Wiener Eistraum has been a flagship for Vienna—a place where movement, community, and quality of life come together. With numerous innovations, the event has continually reinvented itself and remains fully in tune with the times. It is unique, sustainable, and open to all generations. The school and kindergarten initiative is especially close to the city’s heart.”

City Councillor Barbara Novak highlighted its economic and ecological impact: “The Wiener Eistraum is far more than a popular leisure activity. It provides important economic momentum, strengthens winter tourism, and creates value for local businesses. At the same time, it sets new standards in innovation and ecological responsibility—combining economic strength with sustainable urban development.”

New access, new pathways, new perspectives

In 2025, the entrance on Lichtenfelsgasse was completely redesigned. A ten‑metre‑wide, gently ascending staircase—architecturally inspired by Rome’s Spanish Steps—along with a barrier-free ramp and elevator now lead visitors directly to the first level of the venue.

This upper level also features a spacious restaurant with indoor seating and a terrace, accommodating around 200 guests.

Skaters can reach the Sky Rink via a 150‑metre ice ramp, leading to a significantly expanded area introduced last year.

Ice fun for all generations

The Wiener Eistraum has always aimed to provide low-threshold access to physical activity for all age groups. Affordable and free offers remain central:

All Vienna kindergartens, schools, and after-school groups enjoy free admission on school days from 10:00 to 16:00 as part of the city’s school initiative. Around 45,000 children participate each year, taking their sports lessons outdoors.
A free 140 m² children’s practice area is available throughout the event.
An additional 500 m² free practice area is open to all ages on weekdays from 10:00 to 16:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 22:00.
Helmets (including adult sizes) and double-blade skates for children are provided free of charge.

Discounts are available for children, seniors, Mobilpass holders, families, and groups. Online bookings at www.wienereistraum.com offer a 10% discount on tickets, skate rentals, and selected services.

More than 250,000 members of the City of Vienna’s Vorteilsclub benefit from a special offer: 50% off admission every Monday. Membership is free and can be completed within minutes at vorteilsclub.wien.at.

Curling on eight lanes

Curling enthusiasts can enjoy eight dedicated lanes, available on weekdays from 17:00 to 22:00. A private chalet in Rathauspark—accommodating around 20 people and featuring its own curling lane—offers an ideal setting for private celebrations or corporate events. Reservations for curling lanes are required via wienereistraum.com.

Ecological responsibility as a core principle

Since 2024, the Wiener Eistraum has been certified as an “ÖkoEvent PLUS”. In gastronomy, this includes:

100% organic food
At least 50% vegetarian or vegan dishes
Exclusive use of reusable dishware

Over recent years, the event has also reduced its electricity consumption by more than 20% compared to previous seasons.

Opening show on 22 January

The 31st Wiener Eistraum runs from Thursday, 22 January, to Sunday, 8 March 2026, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Visitors can look forward to a festive opening show at 19:00 on the main ice rink in front of Vienna City Hall.