Skating Rinks Around Europe

The City Park Ice Rink in Budapest

Nothing gets us IT staffers in the holiday spirit like a few spins around the ice rink. And while I’m certainly no Michelle Kwan, skating is one of those seasonal sports that always brings back a sense of childhood. I used to go with my grandfather when I was a kid, and even though I used double-bladed skates, I could still barely keep up with him. This year, I have plans to check out the outdoor rink in the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. But if you’re traveling abroad this holiday season, the Telegraph has a great roundup of where you can strap on your skates. Here are a few of our favorites:

Budapest: Skate in the shadow of the Vajdahunyad Castle as long as you like, as there are no appointed sessions. The rink is credited with playing a huge role in the advancement of Hungarian ice sports.

Cambridge: Opening for the first time this year, the outdoor rink in Cambridge will offer night skating sessions and is open seven days a week. And watch out not only for renegade skaters but bumper cars on ice! The 10 joystick-controlled devices glide across the rink and spin 360 degrees.

Vienna: A 400 meter “dream pathway” which connects two ice rinks, creates a fairy-tale like effect in front of City Hall. It’s no wonder the locals call it the “Viennese Ice Dream.” Curling sessions are also available.

Photos: Budapest, Wikipedia; Ice Bumpers, cambridgeonice.co.uk; Vienna, Viennese Ice Dream 2008.