Winter in Innsbruck need not begin on the ski slopes. From 12 November 2026 to 21 February 2027, ICE MAGIC is set to link two squares in the centre: Landhausplatz and Bozner Platz. Rather than a single rectangular ice rink, the organiser is promising winding ice trails, complemented by lighting displays, food and drink, and events. For a weekend combining sightseeing with a few laps on the ice, it offers an attraction woven into everyday life in the Tyrolean capital.
Two squares, one winter venue
Landhausplatz lies south of the Old Town, while Bozner Platz is close to the main railway station. ICE MAGIC is set to use both locations for the first time. The Innsbruck Tourism events page lists around 2,300 square metres of ice; ice stock sport (a curling-like game), skate hire and food and drink are also promised. In the evenings, illuminated ice trails and lighting displays are set to transform the squares. Further events may be added to the programme as the season progresses.
The central location sets this apart from a trip focused solely on winter sports. A visit to the squares can be combined with a walk through the city centre: the route along Maria-Theresien-Straße leads into the Old Town, to its arcades and the Golden Roof. This ornate oriel window, with its gilded copper shingles, recalls the Innsbruck of Emperor Maximilian I; here, the city tells its story through late medieval buildings and Baroque façades. Beyond them, the Nordkette rises above the valley floor. The interplay of city and mountains remains the defining backdrop even in winter – whether the day ends on skates or in the lanes.
Getting there without a car
Innsbruck is easy to reach by train for a weekend like this. The main railway station is centrally located; according to Innsbruck Tourism, the city centre is about a ten-minute walk away. The ICE MAGIC website also describes both event squares as centrally situated within the bus and tram network. Visitors arriving by public transport can check exact connections and any changes for their day of travel with Innsbrucker Verkehrsbetriebe.
This suits a short winter break without a ski pass: the station, ice venue and historic city centre are all close together. One possible itinerary is a walk through the Old Town in the afternoon, followed by ice skating in the centre and dinner in the city. This is particularly appealing to travellers who want to combine activity and culture without heading out into the surrounding area for every item on their itinerary. Those looking to spend a whole weekend in the mountains or clock up long ski runs are more likely to see ICE MAGIC as an addition to their trip than its main purpose.
Check before you visit
For the 2026/27 season, the organiser lists opening hours of 2pm to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 9pm at weekends, on public holidays and during school holidays. According to the organiser, access to the site is free; anyone wishing to go onto the ice needs a ticket. Single admission is listed at twelve euros for adults, ten euros for concessions and eight euros for children aged six to 14; children under six go free. Skates can be hired on site. This information is correct as of 14 November 2026; opening hours, prices and available activities should be checked before visiting.
The announcement promises two central squares, illuminated ice trails and a supporting programme. How busy the site becomes and which events take place on individual evenings will only become clear during the season. For a winter trip combining city life and ice skating, the appeal lies precisely in the short distances: Innsbruck can be explored on foot, and the ice is set to sit right in the middle of this urban landscape.
Original reviewed by the editors · 14 November 2026
