Jaap Eden Ijsbaan

If you're in Amsterdam in the winter, you’ve got to check out Jaap Eden Ijsbaan. It’s not just a skating rink — it’s a Dutch tradition. My neighbor’s family has been coming here for years, and honestly, it’s become part of the winter ritual. The place is massive, with an outdoor 400-meter rink, an indoor one, and even a beginner’s corner if you’re still learning to glide. It’s also home to the Amstel Tijgers hockey team, so it’s serious business here. I’ve seen locals come in full winter gear, and I mean full winter gear — scarves, gloves, boots, even some with little kids on their backs. It’s not just for tourists, and that’s what makes it special.

The outdoor rink is open from October to March, weather permitting. It’s located in the Oost district, right near the canal ring, so it’s not too far from the city center. I always tell my friend Sara to come here when she visits — she’s from the Midwest, so she’s used to cold, but even she was surprised by how much the Dutch take this seriously. The rink is so big that you can skate for hours without bumping into anyone. It’s also a great group activity — I’ve seen families, coworkers, even friends from other countries all skating together.

If you’re planning a visit, go on a weekday, not a weekend. The place gets packed on Friday and Saturday nights, and it’s not just because of the disco evenings. I’ve been here on a Friday, and it was chaos — people were literally waiting in lines for the rink. If you want to avoid that, go early in the day or midweek. Also, don’t forget to grab a warm stroopwafel after you skate. My coworker Tom always says the ones from the restaurant here are the best. They’re not just sweet, they’re warming. And if you’re not sure what to do with your hands, there’s a restaurant on-site, showers, and lockers — it’s a full experience.

One of the things I love about this place is how it feels like a local event. It’s not a tourist trap, it’s a Dutch institution. The disco nights on Saturday are fun, but they’re also a little chaotic. If you want to keep it simple and just skate, avoid those nights. And if you’re not used to skating, there’s a beginner’s area — it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s great for those who want to learn. Skate hire is €7, and entrance is €4.70 for kids and €7.80 for adults.

The only downside is that it can get crowded, especially on holidays or weekends. Also, the outdoor rink is weather-dependent. It’s not unusual for it to close during unseasonably warm weather. I remember one year it was so warm that they had to shut it down early in January. But when it’s open, it’s a real treat. It’s one of those places where you feel like you’re really experiencing the city’s winter culture. The locals don’t just come for the skating — they come for the vibe, the tradition, the community. And if you’re lucky, you might even see a hockey game.

If you’re visiting Amsterdam in winter, this is one of those experiences that’s worth the effort. It’s not flashy, but it’s real. And if you’re looking for a place to take a break from the city and enjoy the cold, Jaap Eden Ijsbaan is the spot. You can check if that deal’s still on here: https://www.jaapeden.nl/