Rarely visited by those who don’t live there, Budapest’s Csepel Island neighborhood south of downtown is primarily known as one of the city’s main industrial zones, instead of being a recreation destination. However, now it’s worth leaving the city center for awhile as the city’s District XXI boasts one of Budapest’s coolest outdoor ice-skating rinks, complete this winter with a lengthy ice corridor suitable for speedy gliding. This one-of-a-kind frosty facility is open through mid-February, so hurry up if you want to race through its winding paths.

Accessible with a short ride on the H7 HÉV commuter train from Pest’s Boráros Square, a 25x30-meter-large ice rink is a fresh wintertime playground at Csepel’s Szent Imre Square for those who want to perform spine-chilling stunts on ice. Found right next to the Csepel Supporters Arena, the rectangular rink is expanded this season with an intriguing 2.5-meter-wide ice corridor, providing a mirror-smooth surface for skaters through an additional 150 winding meters. Those who want to take a break from racing around the illuminated plaza can relax next to the rink with soul-warming hot drinks, fine food, and chimney cake specialties.

Entrance to the Csepel ice rink costs 800 forints for adults, and the facility also rents skates – usage of a pair of ice skates for adults costs 600 forints. The ice rink is open through February 12th from Monday to Friday between 2pm and 10pm, and from Saturday to Sunday between 8am and 10pm.

How to get there:


Take the H7 commuter train south from Pest’s Boráros Square (accessible by tram line 2 or tram line 4-6), and get off at the Szent Imre tér station; the rink is visible from the HÉV train stop.