Ice skating in Oslo

Skating is an accessible and fun way to experience the joys of winter. With ice skating rinks right in the city centre, you can easily combine an hour on the ice with everything from shopping and museum visits to a romantic date. Oslo invites people of all ages to have fun on the ice!

The significance of ice skating in Norway

Ice skating has a long tradition among Norwegians. Througout history, we've had several cherised athletes like the ice skaters Hjalmar "Hjallis" Andersen and Knut "Kupper'n" Johannesen. The figure skaters Sonja Henie and Axel Paulsen have each made a significant mark in Norwegian sports history. Henie became a world champion ten times and won gold in the Olympics three times, while Paulsen has the famous Axel jump named after him, after having been the first person to make the jump in 1882.

At the Skating Museum you can learn more about Norwegian ice skating history. Maybe you'll get inspired to take a spin at Frogner Ice Skating Rink right afterwards? If you're even more of an ice skating afficionado you can visit the statues of both Hjallis and Kupper'n, located on each side of Bislett Stadium.

Skating in the city centre

For an urban skating experience, head to the “Spikersuppa” ice rink, located right next to the National Theatre. The rink offers music, beautiful lighting, and skate rental. In the run-up to Christmas, you can combine your visit with a stroll through the Jul i Vinterland Christmas market or stop by after a shopping trip along Karl Johans Gate. There’s also a larger ice rink with music and skate rental at Frogner Stadium, next to the Vigeland Park. Both rinks are open in the evenings.

The ice rink in front of Deichman Bjørvika is open for use at any time as long as the conditions are good but is unattended and offers no skate rental. There are also many other ice rinks, both large and small, scattered throughout Oslo – see the Oslo Municipality website for a complete overview (in Norwegian).

Season
Please note that the outdoor skating rinks usually close around 1 March, regardless of the temperature.

Indoor ice rinks

Indoor ice rinks can be used all-year-round – even during summer, but are often booked by sports teams. It is recommended to check Oslo Municipality's website (in Norwegian) ahead of your visit to see if the ice rink is available to use.

Skating in the Oslomarka forest

If the waters and lakes freeze over, it is also possible to go skating in the Oslo forests. Make sure the ice is safe: At varsom.no you can see ice condition reports across the country. Popular waters for skating are Sognsvann, Bogstadvannet, Nøklevann, Østensjøvannet and Maridalsvannet.

Learn to ice skate

Whether you've never skated before, is a little bit rusty, or perhaps wish to take your ice-skating skills to a completely different level, it might be a good idea to learn techniques from professional instructors.