The largest ice rink in the world. The largest artificial ice rink in the world The heaviest ice rink in the world
Each person tries to diversify his life with various hobbies: someone loves to read books while lying on the sofa, and some like active recreation. For example, in winter time you can go to the skating rink and once again rush along with pleasure beautiful ice on skates. And if this is done even at the largest skating rink, where there is plenty of space and enough for many, then this experience will be even greater. Where is the most big ice rink in the world and what is its size?
The largest skating rink in the world opened in the capital of our country in 2014 - at VDNKh. Its area is 20,500 m2. According to this parameter, the skating rink at VDNKh by 1300 m2 surpassed the previous record holder in area - the skating rink in the Netherlands (FlevOnice). Thus, the main skating rink in Russia is also the largest among those skating rinks that only exist in the world.
The skating rink was created divided into several zones: there is an area for free skating, a children's and a hockey rink, a lovers' alley, Big circle and the Avenue of Infinity. Therefore, every visitor here will find the place that he will like. For the entrance to the territory of the skating rink, those who wish will have to pay from 200 rubles, but here you can rent skates and are absolutely free. The skating rink can accommodate up to 5,000 visitors at a time.
This structure, repeating the outline of the golden key from the famous fairy tale, was the result of the work of experienced professionals of the highest class. During its construction, modern and resource-saving technologies were used. The design of the ice rink resembles a puff pastry. After all, they really poured it layer by layer, allocating a whole hour to a layer of several millimeters. For the base of the rink, ice mats were used, which help to maintain a certain temperature. Therefore, up to a temperature of plus ten in the environment, you can still skate on ice.
In addition to its huge size, the skating rink also amazes with lighting. And it is everywhere here - bridges, building facades, fences and even ice from the inside are illuminated with LEDs. The result is a beautiful light space. Everything here literally glows, every corner is lit up. About one hundred surveillance cameras provide good supervision, and the "ice police", which includes 40 people, is in charge of maintaining order. Thanks to the screens and LEDs built into the surface, the ice rink can turn into a kind of art object in the blink of an eye.
To create a real winter mood for people, the ice rink can be covered with artificial snow. This is especially true for celebrating the New Year. All winter long, those who wish can come here to learn the skill of figure skating or take master classes with an athlete-hockey player.
World of travel
1692
27.12.17 11:11
On these mysterious New Year's Eve, the squares of many cities (including Palace Square in St. Petersburg, Red Square in Moscow or opposite the majestic Somerset House in London) turned into delightfully beautiful skating rinks, where young people and children, and romantic-minded couples, and veterans are in a hurry. skates. Festive illumination, music and exquisite decoration make the ice rinks just fabulous! Today we will take a look at the most unusual ice rinks in the world.
Ice patterns: the most unusual ice rinks in the world
Vintage Depot in Minneapolis
One of America's oldest depots, a high-vaulted building built in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the end of the 19th century, was intended to "park" trains that passed along the Milwaukee Road line. The last train left here in 1871. But the historic building was not abandoned - it turned into an atmospheric hotel "The Renaissance Minneapolis", which is equipped with one of the most unusual skating rinks in the United States.
The gem of Chicago park Maggie Daly
The stunning Chicago city ice rink is part of an expansive and beautiful park Maggie Daly. Although the skating rink opened only in 2014, it has gained incredible popularity, and today a sea of townspeople eager for winter entertainment flocks here. The design of the ice rink was developed by the architect Michael van Valkenburg, and the most valuable thing about this ice strip is that it offers charming views of Chicago, especially mesmerizing at dusk - in the overflow of a necklace of lights.
Transforming pool at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto
Nathan Phillips Square in the heart of Toronto is located directly opposite the city hall and was designed in 1965 by the same architect Vilho Revell in collaboration with landscape designer Richard Strong. The square is a treasure trove of attractions, including Henry Moore's Archer, a statue of Winston Churchill and a stunning pool surrounded by the so-called Arches of Liberty (which includes part of a replica of the Berlin Wall). In winter, the pool turns into a luxurious ice rink, a center of attraction for both locals and tourists.
At the Brooklyn Samuel Gee and Ethel LeFrac Center: Silver Against Blue Sky
The most famous ice rink in New York is the Rockefeller Center ice rink. But if you are ready to leave hospitable Manhattan and head to Brooklyn, then a pleasant surprise awaits you. No buildings were built in Lakeside Prospect Park from the 19th century until 2013, but the Samuel Gee and Ethel LeFrac Center recently grew here (designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects). The highlight of the Center has become a wonderful skating rink. The peculiarity of this ice rink is an unusual ceiling, deep blue, with carved silver lines running into each other like waves.
Ingalls Center: Yale University Legend
The ice rink, or rather, the Ingalls center, is the pride of Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut). The full name of the building is David S. Ingalls Skating Rink, by Eero Saarinen, Yale University, USA, it is named after the benefactors, father and son, both of whom were captains of the university's hockey team at one time.
The building, which can seat 3,500 people, was built between 1953 and 1958. The locals nicknamed him "The Whale". Now it is estimated at $ 1.5 million (which is more than double the original cost). In 1970, a terrorist attack took place in the center - right during a protest concert, two bombs were thrown into the building, damaging the glass doors and the roof.
Liege Arena: in the womb of the "whale"
By the way about the whale! If you want to know how the prophet Jonah felt when he was swallowed by a giant whale, then you need to visit the building of the Liege Ice Rink in Belgium. The brainchild of architecture firms Bureau d'Etudes Weinand and L'Escaut grew up in Liege in 2012. It is a dramatic silvery structure covered in 200,000 shimmering aluminum plates, and a whale head dome at the back “hugs” the entrance to the parking lot. The playful appearance (either a marine mammal or an airship) hides a serious sports facility - an Olympic ice rink with an area of 1800 sq. meters with a capacity of 1200 people. When the arena is free of competition, the skating rink is open to skating enthusiasts.
Near the Turkish city of Kayseri: surreal windows
Nine miles from the Turkish town of Kayseri is one of the quirkiest skating rinks on our list. It was built in 2009 by an Istanbul architecture firm. Both the sharp corners of the roof and the sloping columns that resemble parts of a dinosaur skeleton are unique.
The skating rink is open all year round. Its area is 2000 sq. meters and the snow-white interior are illuminated by fancy lamps, but the most memorable part of the ice rink is the windows of amorphous surreal forms with multi-colored glass.
Pyongyang ice rink: futuristic hulk
The futuristic structure, which can seat 6,000 people, was opened in 1982 in Pyongyang and was the first indoor ice rink in the DPRK. Until now, this particular ice rink remains the largest in North Korea. The 60 m long and 30 m wide arena hosts ice hockey games, speed skating and figure skating competitions - under the watchful eyes of “glorious leader” Kim Jong Un, watching the audience from large posters. According to the Lonely Planet website, the skating rink “can sometimes be visited” and just to skate.
At the Parisian Grand Palais: extravaganza in the palace
The grandiose Grand Palais in the style of Beaux-Arts (Beaux-Arts) opened its doors in the center of Paris, next to the Champs Elysees, in 1900. Since then, it has been "overgrown" with exquisite halls and premises with different functions.
It hosts art exhibitions, grand fashion shows, sports competitions, and every winter, since 2012, a stunning temporary skating rink is organized - the largest of all skating rinks in France. The combination of a tall domed ceiling, huge plasma screens and spectacular light shows makes the skating rink one of the most impressive ice arenas in the world.
At Jumeirah Vittaveli: under the tropical sun, with a backdrop of palm trees
Jumeirah Vittaveli Luxury Resort (Bolifushi, Maldives) prepared for its guests an extensive entertainment program on New Year and Christmas. It includes not only fire shows, beach parties, congratulations from Santa Claus and Snegurochka, carnivals, but also the construction of the first ice rink in the region.
The peculiarity of this unusual eco-skating rink is that it will be open all year round. So guests of the hotel can enjoy skating on ice melting in the tropical sun against the backdrop of turquoise waves and palm trees. Interestingly, this state-of-the-art skating rink does not need any additional filling (i.e. water) or electricity. The skating rink is a wonderful, truly magical gift for everyone who has decided to relax in Jumeirah Vittaveli!
This year the skating rink at VDNKh was recognized The world Record Academy is the largest artificial ice rink in the world. Its area is 20,549 square meters, it can accommodate 4.5 thousand people. The Village learned how ice appears on the asphalt, what is done at the rink at night, how skates are sharpened and what complaints they make to the first-aid post.
What does a skating rink consist of and how much does it cost
The skating rink at VDNKh has been operating for the third year already. All this time, the installation and maintenance of the ice rink has been carried out by the Russian Ice company. “At first we made a skating rink in Gorky Park, and then we were invited here as well. We evaluated our strengths and decided that we could work on two skating rinks at the same time, ”says a representative of the company Alexander Morozov. According to him, Russian Ice is the only company in Russia that can make ice rinks of this scale. In the first year of operation, the cost of the ice rink and all related structures amounted to 762 million rubles. This year, according to The Village, its cost is close to 400 million rubles.
The skating rink at VDNKh occupies the entire Main Alley: it starts right behind Pavilion No. 1 and goes around the Stone Flower and Friendship of Peoples fountains. There is a children's skating rink and a hockey rink nearby, where amateur teams can come. You can walk around the ice area, or you can go over it along the pedestrian bridge "Northern Lights".
The main skating rink has five pavilions with skate rental and changing rooms. You can have a bite to eat at mobile food outlets or in a restaurant, where they are allowed to skate and offer slippers. An adult ticket costs from 300 to 600 rubles, and skate rental will cost 150 rubles.
How the cooling system works
The skating rink's artificial turf consists of a cold transfer surface designed to transport cold liquid (coolant), a refrigeration unit and a collector.
The entire ice rink is divided into seven sections serving 11 refrigeration units. Their smooth operation and maintenance of the required temperature are monitored by foremen. In the operating mode of the skating rink, the installation cools the coating to minus 5 degrees, during the period of pouring the ice - to minus 8 degrees.
Ethylene glycol acts as a cold transporter - a colorless and odorless liquid. The refrigeration unit cools the coolant, which under pressure enters the collector (about 20 tons for each section), and from there to the surface of the roller. This is how the system is activated: ethylene glycol spreads through the tubes over the entire area of the coating and begins to freeze.
Half of the surface of the skating rink at VDNKh is covered with ice mats - a special canvas made of tubes through which the coolant spreads. These mats can be used anywhere: indoor and outdoor rinks, hockey rinks and ice arenas are made of them. The other half of the roller is based on a proprietary pipe system. The principle of operation is the same, but here each pipe is unwound and welded to the manifold separately. The work is laborious, but the quality of the ice is better, Morozov notes.
The liquid constantly circulates in the tubes under the ice, the pumps do not stop. “We are constantly monitoring ethylene glycol levels. If it falls, then there is a leak somewhere, and we need to look for it, ”the workers say. If the ice layer is too thin, skiers can pierce the tube with a skate, and then a small fountain will pour out onto the surface - a mini-accident must be quickly eliminated. This can also happen with sharp temperature changes from minus 5 to minus 15 degrees: cracks appear on the ice, into which a ridge can fall.
How is the ice rink serviced
The skating rink is closed on Mondays. All this day, as well as at night, work is underway to build up the ice: during the day, workers water the coating with hoses, and at night they are replaced by five Olympia ice filling machines. The skating rink is serviced around the clock by three teams, each of which has 12-15 people, and a whole fleet of special equipment.
The same machines operate on the rink during the daily technical break from 15:00 to 17:00. After its start, water, preheated to 60-70 degrees, is poured into the Olympia's 800-liter bunker, and the car is sent to the ice. It cuts off a 1.5-millimeter layer of ice, removing cracks and cuts from the skates, and at the same time floods the surface with hot water - the new ice becomes much stronger and turns out to be perfectly even.
In snowfall, three tractors and four snow blowers, which workers call "snow splashes", are working on the skating rink. To drive special equipment, you need to have a category C car license. Alexey, who works on an ice-filling machine during our visit, says that he likes it.
How rental works
3,700 pairs of skates are used for hire. The smallest size is 25 and the largest is 48. The main batch of skates was purchased three years ago, since then, some of them have been periodically updated. Before this season, 15% of rental pairs were renewed, and after the end, every third pair of skates may be written off. To make skates last longer, they are periodically dried, treated with antiseptics, if necessary, insoles and laces are changed and, of course, sharpened.
Sharpening points are located in separate rooms of the rental pavilions. There are five automatic machines installed here. The sharpening is arranged as follows: the ridge is fixed on the movable part of the machine, which moves along the edge of a rapidly rotating sharpening stone. Several such passes are required to sharpen the blade, depending on the degree of wear.
How the instructors and the first-aid post work
At the rink, you can see many people in red and gray uniforms - these are instructors. They monitor the order, speed of the riders and the safety of the movement. On this skating rink, as on most others, it is customary to skate counterclockwise. “Why exactly? Maybe the tradition of right-hand traffic played a role, or maybe the direction of traffic in the stadiums. When everyone is going in the same direction, it is much easier to avoid collisions, ”they say at the rink.
Among the instructors there are masters teaching visitors the basics of ice skating. One hour of one-to-one lesson costs a thousand rubles. If a visitor to the skating rink needs medical assistance, he can also contact the instructors. They will escort him to the first-aid post, and in extreme cases they will take him on a special sleigh.
Ice skating has long been a favorite winter pastime. But this fun was accessible only at sub-zero temperatures, when water froze in reservoirs - on a river or in a lake.
The oldest skating rink in the world was organized on Petrovka in Moscow in 1862. And today it remains a favorite vacation spot for citizens and guests of Moscow.
In Europe, the first in the world artificial ice rink was opened in January 1876. He, too, could function only in winter, but was not tied to a specific reservoir, but was flooded in an open artificial arena, which already became a sensation at that time.
The indoor ice arena was first built in Canada in the city of Victoria. She received the first skaters on Christmas Eve 1912. Its capacity was only 400 people (for comparison, some modern skating rinks have a capacity of more than 10 thousand people).
Since the first skating rinks in the world were opened, they have changed a lot, becoming larger and more powerful, the quality of the ice surface has changed, and new opportunities for various sports events have appeared. Next, let's talk about the largest ice rinks on our planet.
Lake Zhu, Switzerland
This reservoir lies in the Jura mountains in the valley of the same name at an altitude of more than 1000 meters above the sea. The area of the lake is 9.5 km2. In spring, summer and autumn, it's common alpine lake, distinguished by the beauty of the scenery and the purity of the water. But in winter, for about 3-4 weeks, the lake freezes completely, turning into the largest natural ice rink in the world. Competitions on Lake Zhu are not held, only amusement carnival evenings and figure skating demonstrations. But every day more than 3000 amateurs ride here for free. By the way, there is practically no infrastructure in the lake area, so both adults and children enjoy spending time in nature.
It is a water channel, the oldest in North America, connects the capital of Canada Ottawa and the town of Kingston. Its length is 202 km. In spring, summer and autumn, the canal is used for its intended purpose: ships, barges, boats go along it. But in the harsh Canadian winter, the water in the canal freezes, and the authorities are equipping a giant 8-kilometer ice rink on it, which stretches across the capital.
It could easily accommodate 900 hockey fields. It hosts an annual winter festival called Winterlude. It includes many fun winter competitions, ice shows, ice sculpture exhibitions, music concerts and other events. But the most popular is the mass skating along the Rideau Canal.
Interestingly, this largest skating rink is also used as a kind of "ecological transport". Locals skate along the canal to the city center all winter long. The authorities even equipped the ice track with special signs for the safety of skaters. Green light means that the ice is good, you can safely go forward, and red signals that warming has softened the ice, you need to be careful!
Ice rink in Mexico City, Mexico
It is the largest human-made ice rink in the world. There is no other country in the world yet. The skating rink is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. It has an area of 32,000 square meters, 14,000 people can ride here at the same time.
Mexico is a country with a hot climate, and it is all the more amazing that it was here that the engineers were able to create this amazing ice rink. For its construction, special equipment was required; pipes were laid underground for cooling almost a hundred meters.
It is also interesting that this is a non-profit project. It was built in 2008 at the expense of large businessmen, admission is free for everyone. The only pity is that it does not work all year round, it is poured in a couple of weeks before the New Year and removed a few weeks after the holiday.
Skating rinks at VDNKh and in Gorky Park, Moscow
In 2014, a huge artificial ice rink was inaugurated at VDNKh in Moscow. Its area is 20 thousand square meters.
After the Mexican one, it is the largest artificial ice rink on the planet. But it is paid, there are many skate rental shops, cafes and other places where visitors spend their money.
The skating rink itself is very beautiful. Everything sparkles with lights, 100,000 LED bulbs illuminate it, and the ice is refreshed twice a day. It is divided into 4 zones: a nursery, equipped with bumpers, hockey, extreme with towers and jumps, and an amateur one for ordinary people to ride.
No more than 5,000 skaters are allowed on the rink at the same time. Although it can accommodate more skaters, the administration believes that the crowd is unsafe and controls the flow of tourists.
A year earlier, in 2013, an ice rink with an area of 15,000 square meters was opened in Gorky Park (Moscow). An impressive size too! He quickly became popular among Muscovites and visitors to the city. The entrance to it is also paid, it is surrounded by a detailed service: skate rental points, the help of an instructor for beginners, cafes and bars for those who want to eat. Again, 4 zones are allocated here: hockey, dance (for figure skating fans), children's and main. For the convenience of movement along the ice paths, long wooden platforms have been built. The skating rink is very beautiful. It is decorated with lighting, 3D animations depicting snowfall, fireworks, fire explosions and other 3D illusions. From time to time, colorful ice shows and amateur competitions are tripled here.
Medeo, Kazakhstan
Another artificial ice rink that deserves attention. It is located in the sports complex of the same name near Almaty, Kazakhstan. The complex was built in 1972 on the slope of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain at an altitude of almost 1,700 meters above sea level. Its area is really impressive: 10.5 thousand square meters. The ice cover is very High Quality, more than 200 world records have already been set at this skating rink, for which Medeo was called the "Factory of Records".
At the same time, 8100 spectators can watch the competitions here (by the number of seats).
Skating rink in St. Petersburg
In the Northern capital, in the Udelny Park, the world's 4th largest artificial ice rink is flooded. Its area is "only" 4 thousand square meters. Despite the powerful advertising campaign, many visitors give the skating rink low marks. They do not like its shape in the form of a "donut" with a width of 7-8 meters, which is good for straight-line running, but does not allow pirouette lovers to turn around; there are also long queues at the box office (people stand for 2 hours for a ticket), cramped changing rooms. The administration replies that the skating rink is still in test mode, and all the shortcomings will be gradually eliminated.
Red Square, Moscow
By the standards of the world's giants, this skating rink has a very modest area - 2,700 square meters. What is remarkable about it is that it is poured right on Red Square near the Kremlin. This tradition began in 2010 and is now repeated annually. The ice rink has good quality a coating that can withstand a thaw up to + 7 ° C. Both professionals and amateurs can ride here for a moderate fee. The skating rink accommodates up to 500 visitors. Hockey matches and figure skating competitions are held on the ice field. Around its perimeter, a stage was built based on a Russian fairy tale, from which it is convenient to observe everything that happens at the rink. Despite the fact that it is clearly inferior in size to the sites at VDNKh and in Gorky Park, it is he who is called the "Main Skating Rink of Russia."
Wollman Rink, New York
New York has a 2,600 square meter Wollman Rink. meters. Although it was opened back in 1950, it is still very beautiful, well equipped, and has a high quality ice cover. The skating rink is open to everyone from late October to early April.
He became especially famous and recognizable after a couple of sentimental Hollywood scenes were filmed here. Such people come here to ride famous personalities like Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson and Jim Carrey.
The list of all the great things we associate with winter would not be complete if we forgot to mention sports entertainment, among which one of the most beloved is ice skating. And if you skate not on an ordinary skating rink, but on a very picturesque one, the pleasure of skating can be just fantastic. Today we bring to your attention a story about the most impressive ice rinks in the world.
Canal Rideau
The longest ice rink in the world is located in the capital of Canada, Ottawa, with an area of 1,620,000 square meters. It could accommodate 90 hockey fields, because its length is almost 8 kilometers. But the main advantage of the skating rink is not even this, but the fact that while sliding on it, you can simultaneously admire the most picturesque views of the city. The Rideau Canal is also famous for the annual winter festival "Winterlude", during which an ice sculpture competition, skaters' performances and various entertainment events take place right on the canal.
From here there is a beautiful view of Laurier Castle and the Houses of Parliament of Canada. In addition, a very curious phenomenon can be observed here in winter: many Ottawa residents use the Rideau Canal to skate to work. In Ottawa, for skating fans, the city authorities even came up with road signs: green - forward, red - too warm, ice has lost its strength!
Lake Zhu (Lac de Joux)
Those who love scale will surely enjoy the ice rink on Lake Zhu in Swiss Alps, its area is almost 5,000,000 sq. m. ... This highest mountain lake in the country is located near Lausanne. For just two weeks a year, it is covered with ice and turns into the largest ice rink in the world. At this time, tourists from all over Europe tend to come here to go ice skating themselves, as well as admire the performances of professional skaters.
High-mountain skating rink "Medeo"
The world's largest alpine ice rink is close to the former capital Kazakhstan, the city of Alma-Ata. It was opened in 1972 and since then has repeatedly become the venue for the European and World Championships in winter sports. Ice skating rink Medeu, located at an altitude of 1691.2 meters above sea level, is known all over the world. The surface of the ice occupies 10.5 thousand square meters, which allows holding competitions in speed skating, hockey and figure skating. more than 200 speed skating records have been set here.
Kinderdijk Channels
If you are in the Netherlands in winter, be sure to visit the old Dutch village of Kindercade. In winter, sleepy Kinderdijk village becomes real tourist center... After all, it is along the coast of this channel that the famous Dutch mills are located, and the ice, polished with special equipment, is perfect for skiers of any level. The ice rink is officially open around the clock from November to February, but in reality it all depends on the weather and the freezing / thawing times of the canal. Free admission. There you can not only go ice skating on the frozen river, but also admire the world's most famous windmills.
Bondi Beach
What could be more unusual than an ice skating rink on the ocean? Especially during the warm season, which lasts in Sydney (Australia) all year round. The air temperature here on Bondi Beach is above zero even in winter, nevertheless, the skating rink works successfully thanks to special cooling systems, as well as a huge amount of water that is used to pour ice. This is one of the most popular places to open within the framework of the winter festival ... Visitors can not only make a full circle, but also order exquisite food and drinks!
Lake Paterswoldsemeer
There are many lakes and other bodies of water in the Netherlands, and Lake Paterswoldse Meer in the south of Groningen is nothing special. But this is in summer ... In winter, when the frosts get stronger and the ice on the lake becomes thick enough, the Groningen people clear it of the snow and level it. As a result, on Lake Paterswoldsemer every winter a grand ice rink opens under open air about 10 kilometers long!
Admission to the ice rink is, of course, free. However, you are unlikely to be lucky enough to find a skate rental nearby, so it is worth renting skates in town or bringing your own. At any time you can turn off the skating rink and get closer to the shore. Along the entire path, you can find dozens of cafes where you can drink hot tea, coffee or something stronger, as well as have a quick snack or a good meal.
Eiffel Tower
For several years now, at the beginning of December, an ice rink has opened on one of the grounds of the Eiffel Tower at a height of 57 meters. Here you can not only go ice skating, but also feel the atmosphere of the city, admiring the panoramas of the city and listening to romantic French music. It may not be the largest skating rink (only 200 square meters), but certainly one of the most spectacular and romantic!
Ice skating is great fun, and in this place the atmosphere is also supported by French music, as well as original lighting effects. To warm up in this realm of metal and ice, a bar is organized where you can buy hot coffee, hot wine and other drinks. The ice premiere took place back in 1969, but ice is not poured every year, and the ice rink is open only until January 31. Skating rink on Eiffel tower is also one of the five most visited Christmas ice rinks in the world.
FlevOnice skating rink
The Netherlands is the birthplace of speed skating, so it's not surprising that as many as three ice rinks from our list are located here. Moreover, skating rinks can be found here in the literal sense of the word in an open field. Here is such an unusual skating rink, more reminiscent of a race track, is located not far from the village with the difficult-to-pronounce name Biddingheisen. Its territory is huge.
In the diagram, the FlevOnice ice rink is more like a racing track. As if specially designed for racing cars. Therefore, it is not surprising that this place is mainly appreciated by lovers of ice skating at high speeds. For such athletes, a kind of recreation area is provided here - a building with a cafe and showers, which is located on the edge ice track... FlevOnice is considered the largest in Holland. It is open to visitors for more than three months a year.
Central Park
Wollman Rink is one of the most famous ice rinks in the world. It is spacious (2600 square meters), beautiful, but most importantly, it has become a legend thanks to its participation in numerous romantic scenes in Hollywood films. In reality, the skating rink is as beautiful as in the cinema, and what is nice - you can skate here around the clock - a great leisure place for all kinds of romantics. By the way, the skating rink is already 64 years old - for the first time skaters went on its ice back in 1950! Nice bonus winter holiday at the rink is the opportunity to face a movie star - Jim Carrey, Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman are said to be very fond of Wollman Rink.
Somerset House
Somerset House, London's imposing building is one of the finest examples of classical architecture. It is worth admiring it at any time of the year, but it is still best to do it in winter. In the pre-holiday season, an ice rink is poured on the square in front of the building, where everyone can demonstrate their sports talents. If you find yourself in London in winter, be sure to visit the skating rink next to Somerset House. Built in the late 18th century in a classicist style, this stately public building occupies an entire block between the Strand and the Thames.
During its existence, it served a variety of purposes (at different times in various parts of the building there were a chapel, the Royal Academy, a chemical laboratory, the University of London, the Geological Society, during the time of Admiral Nelson - the Admiralty, and other institutions). Now all kinds of cultural events are held here - exhibitions, festivals, film screenings. And in the winter season, the ice rink becomes an indispensable attribute of Somerset House, where you can have fun, skating to fashionable music from specially invited DJs, drinking hot tea with cupcakes, and even going to the Tiffany store. Don't forget to book your skating tickets in advance!
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