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How do you spend a winter’s day in Amsterdam?
Warming near a blazing fire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate?
Hunkering down in a cozy pub with a hearty pint?
Heading over to the Museumplein and checking out one of the many museums in the area (Rijksmuseum, MOCO, Van Gogh, Stedelijk, to name a few)?
Grabbing some skates and hitting the ice?
Years ago, the Dutch spent time in the winter, skating along in the many canals that run through the city. Today, the temperatures do not get quite cold enough, not does the constant tour boat traffic allow for the water to stand still long enough to freeze.
Now, if you want to ice skate, you need to find an indoor ice rink or one of the outdoor arenas that pop-up throughout the city during the winter months.
The Museumplein reflecting pond, turns into a frozen wonderland from November through early February. A temporary building is erected next to the pond and offers a ticket window, rentals and a café. A small bridge sits over the pond and allows non-skaters to get a birds’ eye view of the activity below as well as a beautiful view of the Rijksmuseum.
So, when the temperatures, drop and you are searching for a great outdoor activity, grab a coat, mittens and hat and head over to the Museumplein for some good old fashioned winter fun!
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Ice Amsterdam
- http://www.iceamsterdam.nl/en/home
- Open November 18 through February 5, 2017. Ice rink open, Sunday-Thursday, 1000-2100 and Friday-Saturday, 1000-2200. Check website for next winter’s operating schedule.