What to expect

For one Sunday, the city’s three big outdoor rinks drop their entry fees and lend skates for free. It’s the city’s “Gratis aufs Glatteis” day, open to everyone from 10:00 to 19:00, with no booking needed.

It’s a good day to try skating with kids who haven’t been before, since it costs nothing if they only last 20 minutes. Expect it to be busy: the city warns there may be waits, mostly at skate rental.

Which rink to pick

• Dolder (Adlisbergstrasse 36): the big one, with 6,000 square meters of open ice in the forest above the city. Take the Dolderbahn up the hill.
• Heuried (Wasserschöpfi 71, Wiedikon): a couple of minutes from the tram, stroller-friendly, with the Vrenelisgärtli restaurant next door.
• Oerlikon: the north-side option, with the Stadiönli restaurant next door.

Missed it? There’s a second free day on Sunday, February 7, 2027.