Ice Skating at Vajdahunyad Castle — A Winter Wonderland in Budapest

Step into the magic of a Budapest winter — glide across one of Europe’s largest outdoor ice rinks, with the fairy-tale spires of Vajdahunyad Castle shimmering in the glow of festive lights. Feel the crisp winter air on your cheeks, hear the cheerful music echoing across the ice, and let the sparkling atmosphere of City Park transport you into a holiday dream. Skating here isn’t just an activity — it’s a moment to laugh, twirl, and make memories that will stay with you long after the snow melts.

A Fairytale Setting

The City Park Ice Rink is situated directly beside the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle, a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. Illuminated at night, the castle reflects in the ice, creating a breathtaking scene reminiscent of a storybook. Whether you visit during the day to admire the snowy park or in the evening to glide under the golden glow of the castle lights, the rink offers a truly magical experience. It’s perfect for families, couples, and photographers alike, providing a romantic and festive atmosphere unique to Budapest

History of the Ice Rink

The City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya) is one of the oldest outdoor ice rinks in Europe, opening its gates in 1870. At the time, it marked the beginning of Hungary’s deep connection with ice skating as a winter pastime and became a symbol of Budapest’s growing role as a modern European city. The rink was part of a larger vision to transform City Park (Városliget) into a hub for culture, recreation, and sport, alongside the Budapest Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts, and landscaped promenades.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the rink was more than just a leisure destination. It became a social and cultural hotspot, frequented by aristocrats, families, and enthusiasts of winter sports. Early speed skating competitions and figure skating exhibitions were held here, helping to popularize the sport throughout Hungary and even Central Europe. Skaters in elegant attire — long coats, gloves, and hand-crafted wooden skates — glided gracefully across the ice, creating an atmosphere that combined sport, social life, and festivity.

The rink’s iconic fairytale backdrop was completed in 1896 with the construction of Vajdahunyad Castle for the Millennium Exhibition, celebrating 1000 years of Hungarian statehood. The castle, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, instantly turned the rink into a magical winter destination. Over the decades, the rink has hosted countless exhibitions, competitions, and public celebrations, cementing its status as a landmark of Budapest’s winter culture.

Even today, more than 150 years later, the City Park Ice Rink continues to preserve its historic charm while offering modern facilities, inviting visitors to skate in the same historic location where generations of Hungarians first embraced the magic of winter on ice.

Modern Skating Experience

Today, the City Park Ice Rink has been fully modernized while retaining its historical charm. The ice surface spans approximately 12,000 square meters, making it one of the largest outdoor rinks in Europe. This ensures that there is ample space for:

• Beginners learning to skate
• Families with children
• Experienced skaters practicing spins and techniques

The rink is divided into zones, allowing both novice and advanced skaters to enjoy the ice safely, even during the busy Christmas season.

Atmosphere and Festivities

During winter, the rink is transformed into a festive wonderland:

• Twinkling lights illuminate the castle and ice
• Holiday music sets a cheerful mood
• Strollers and benches allow visitors to rest and enjoy the view
• Special events and skating shows often take place on weekends

The combination of the historic castle, expansive ice surface, and festive decorations makes it one of the most magical winter destinations in Europe.

Facilities

The rink is fully equipped for a comfortable visit:

• Skate rental in all sizes
• Lockers and heated changing rooms
• Skating aids for children, shaped like penguins and bears
• Skate sharpening services

Staff are available to help beginners and ensure safety, making it accessible to everyone — from first-timers to expert skaters

Location and Access

City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya)
Address: Olof Palme sétány 5, 1146 Budapest, Hungary
The rink is located in City Park (Városliget), right next to Vajdahunyad Castle and just a short walk from Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

How to get there:

• Metro: M1 (yellow line) to Hősök tere or Széchenyi fürdő, then a 5–7 minute walk.
• Bus: Lines 20E, 30, 30A, or 105 to Hősök tere.
• Trolleybus: Lines 75 or 79.
• Car: Paid parking is available around the park, but spaces can fill up quickly during weekends.

Private Transfers

For a comfortable, stress-free, and convenient experience, consider a private transfer with Pickup Hungary:

• Door-to-door service from your hotel or accommodation
• English-speaking drivers
• Round-trip options, ideal for families or groups
• Assistance with timing and planning your visit

With a private transfer, you can focus entirely on enjoying the rink and the festive atmosphere, without worrying about navigating public transport or parking in the cold.

Experience the magic of Budapest in winter: glide across one of Europe’s largest outdoor ice rinks, surrounded by historic architecture, festive lights, and the enchanting atmosphere of City Park. Vajdahunyad Castle Ice Rink is not just a winter activity — it’s a seasonal highlight that captures the heart of Budapest’s holiday charm