Introduction: When It Comes to Winter Sports, Think Skiing and Ice Skating
When people think of winter sports, skiing and ice skating are probably among the first activities that come to mind. Recently, the topic of winter sports came up at work, and one of my colleagues told me, “There’s actually a hidden ice skating spot in Graz.” That place turned out to be Mariatroster Teich.
Located a little outside the city center and not heavily featured in tourist guides, it is a hidden local gem mainly used by people from the area. After visiting myself, I found it to be a surprisingly charming natural ice rink that is free to use and particularly friendly to beginners.
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About Mariatroster Teich
When it comes to ice skating in Graz, the artificial rink at the sports center northwest of Schlossberg is probably the best-known option. However, Mariatroster Teich, located near the Mariatrost Basilica, offers something quite different. During winter, the lake can freeze completely and is then used as a natural ice skating rink.
Compared with artificial rinks, it tends to be much less crowded, which is one of its biggest advantages. Even better, skating here is completely free. Skate rentals are also very affordable, making this an excellent option for anyone who wants to enjoy ice skating without spending much money.
However, there are also some things to keep in mind when skating on a natural lake. There were relatively large cracks in some parts of the ice surface, and small branches were sometimes frozen into the ice. For experienced skaters or anyone looking to skate at high speed, this may make the rink somewhat less appealing. On the other hand, because the conditions naturally discourage high speeds, I found it to be a rather comfortable environment for beginners or people who have not skated for a long time.
The area closer to the bus stop is used for general skating, while two hockey rinks are located farther back.
The Atmosphere and Local Experience
Austrians generally seem to be quite good at ice skating, but at Mariatroster Teich I also saw many children who were just starting to learn. This makes it a place where beginners can skate without feeling intimidated.
There are separate areas for hockey and general skating, although energetic young hockey players sometimes venture into the regular skating area, which can lead to a few slightly nerve-racking moments. Still, my personal impression is that Austria is a country where people are generally quite tolerant and understanding toward children, so perhaps this is simply part of the local atmosphere.
The wooden cabin where you can rent skates also operates as a café. Around the rink, I saw many people chatting while enjoying a glass of mulled wine. Being able to enjoy a warm drink while taking in the winter atmosphere is another charming feature of this place.
How to Get There
Under normal circumstances, the location is very easy to reach. You can take tram line 1 to its final stop, “Mariatrost,” and then walk for about 10 minutes. However, due to current construction work, tram line 1 currently requires a transfer to line E1 at Hilmteich, making the journey slightly less convenient.
An alternative option I recommend is taking bus 200 or 201 from Jakominiplatz. The bus stop “Mariatrost Tullriegel” is located directly in front of Mariatroster Teich, making it extremely convenient. However, even combined, these buses run only about once every 30 minutes, so I recommend checking the timetable in advance for both your outbound and return journeys.
The rink is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while skate rentals are available from 2:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
Cost and Skate Rental
Since Mariatroster Teich is a natural ice rink, there is no admission fee at all. If you already have your own skates, you can literally enjoy skating here without spending any money.
If you do not have skates, you can rent a pair from the wooden cabin next to the lake. The rental fee is only €4 per person, which is very reasonable. However, an additional €10 deposit is required, and payment is cash only. It is therefore a good idea to bring some cash with you. When I visited, the rental process was not crowded at all, and I was able to get a pair immediately without waiting.
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Conclusion
Mariatroster Teich is a particularly valuable spot in Graz for anyone looking to enjoy a natural ice skating rink completely free of charge. It is especially recommended for people who want to avoid crowded rinks, beginners who want to try skating in a relaxed environment, and anyone who wants to experience a more local side of Graz.
If you are looking for a slightly different winter sports experience in Graz, why not give Mariatroster Teich a try?
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