Swept natural ice track on the Weissensee with mountains in the background
Weissensee, Austria

Skating on the Weissensee

A mountain lake at around 930 metres altitude that, in favourable winter conditions, turns into Europe's largest professionally prepared natural ice surface.

Trip typeIndependent
LocationCarinthia, Austria
Altitude± 930 metres
Lake area6.5 km²
PriceFrom €1,095 pp
Swept natural ice track on the Weissensee
Two skaters on the Weissensee between the mountains
The Weissensee, Carinthia
Where you skate

Europe's largest professionally prepared natural ice surface - if winter plays along.

The Weissensee is one of Europe's best-known destinations for skating on natural ice, including for skaters from the Netherlands. The mountain lake lies at an altitude of around 930 metres and covers an area of 6.5 square kilometres. In favourable winter conditions, part of the lake turns into Europe's largest professionally prepared natural ice surface.

The ice master and his team maintain the released tracks intensively. Depending on the weather and the safety of the ice, there are shorter, sheltered loops or longer skating routes available. Under optimal conditions a lap of up to about 25 kilometres can be laid out.

On this trip no Novakse guide joins you on the ice. The tracks are maintained and released on site by the local ice master.

Why the Weissensee

Why travel to the Weissensee?

Deliberately outside the event

The Weissensee is known for the Alternatieve Elfstedentocht, but that is not what we focus on. Novakse deliberately plans this trip outside those event days: no thousands of skaters, but calm, space and independent skating on natural ice.

Skating in a remarkable mountain landscape

You skate on real natural ice, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and wintry forests.

Professionally maintained tracks

The released ice surfaces are maintained by the local ice master and his team.

More than skating alone

If the ice conditions are less favourable, the region offers alternatives such as cross-country skiing, winter walking and downhill skiing in the local family ski area.

Skaters on the Weissensee, outside the event days
Calm instead of an event

For those who prefer calm over an event

Many skaters choose the Weissensee precisely because of the Alternatieve Elfstedentocht. Novakse deliberately picks the weeks around it: fewer people on and around the lake, more nature and more room to set your own pace and route.

Here you skate independently, without a fixed group or a Novakse guide.

Good to know

Natural ice, no guarantee

Skating takes place on natural ice. The opening, route, track length and ice quality depend on the weather and safety conditions. The ice master decides every day which sections are accessible. No rights can therefore be derived from the track lengths and expected ice conditions mentioned.

Dates and prices

What it costs, and when you can go

The price starts at €1,095 per person for 4 days with two of you. That includes the flight to Salzburg with hold luggage, the rental car on the spot and the accommodation. Pick your arrival and departure day below and you'll see straight away what your period costs.

Once the calendar loads, you pick your period here and book directly. If that doesn't work, email schaatsennovakse@outlook.com or message +31 6 17467643.

You choose your period between 18 December and 15 March. From 19 to 28 January 2027 the Alternatieve Elfstedentocht takes place; those days can't be chosen. Whether there is ice depends on the winter.

What's included

The flight to Salzburg with hold luggage, the local rental car and the accommodation.

What's not

Food and drinks, and your own skating equipment and safety gear.

Practical travel information
Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about the Weissensee

Is the trip to the Weissensee guided?

No, no Novakse guide joins you on the ice. The tracks are maintained and released on site by the local ice master. You skate here independently, without a fixed group or a Novakse guide.

How big is the Weissensee and how long can the skating track be?

The mountain lake lies at an altitude of around 930 metres and covers an area of 6.5 square kilometres. Under optimal conditions a lap of up to about 25 kilometres can be laid out.

Why does Novakse not plan this trip during the Alternatieve Elfstedentocht?

The Weissensee is known for the Alternatieve Elfstedentocht, but that is not what Novakse focuses on. The trip is deliberately planned outside those event days: no thousands of skaters, but calm, space and independent skating on natural ice.

Is the ice quality on the Weissensee guaranteed?

No. Skating takes place on natural ice; the opening, route, track length and ice quality depend on the weather and safety conditions. The ice master decides every day which sections are accessible. No rights can be derived from the track lengths and expected ice conditions mentioned.

Prefer a different destination?

Besides the Weissensee, you can also skate with Novakse in Orsa, Falun, Luleå and Finland. All trips are independent as standard, without guidance on the ice. At Orsa and Falun you can add guidance on the ice. There are also guided group trips to Orsa and Falun, on a fixed date.

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