Balkan’s Largest Ice Park Reopens in Sofia, Promising a Thrilling Winter Wonderland

Sofia, Bulgaria – Sofia’s renowned Ice Park, the largest in the Balkans, has officially reopened for its third consecutive season, offering residents and visitors an enchanting winter sports destination.

Situated in Prince’s Garden near “Orlov Most,” the facility covers 11,000 square meters, with 4,000 square meters of ice.

The park, supported by the Sofia Municipality and the Sofia – European Capital of Sport Foundation, features one large rink and two smaller ones, making it one of the premier ice skating facilities in Europe.

During the grand opening ceremony, Deputy Mayor Ivan Vassilev expressed his pride in the initiative, noting, “Sofia is now among the leading European capitals offering such high-quality public winter sports facilities. This is a space for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the magic of winter.”

Grand Opening Festivities

The opening ceremony was a festive affair, attended by city officials and decorated with captivating performances by young figure skaters from the “Denkova-Staviski” and “Ledeni Iskri” clubs.

The highlight of the evening was an awe-inspiring Christmas-themed routine by local figure skating star Maria Ilinova, which left the crowd spellbound.

Top-Class Facilities and Experiences

The Ice Park is equipped to cater to skaters of all levels, offering 2,500 pairs of skates, 60 simulators, and 15 instructors for guidance.

The park boasts wide skating alleys stretching over 800 meters and a designated area for extreme skating enthusiasts. To complement the skating experience, a vibrant Christmas market surrounds the rink, featuring traditional Bulgarian food, drinks, and festive trinkets.

An events area hosted by Sofia University will also bring cultural and entertainment performances, enhancing the park’s appeal as a winter hotspot.

Accessible and Affordable Fun

The Ice Park is open daily until February 9, 2025, operating in four two-hour sessions each day. Tickets are priced at 20 leva per session, with skate rentals available for 5 leva and wardrobe use for an additional 2 leva.

Sofia residents benefit from discounted rates, and beginning January 1, 2025, the park will offer free skating lessons to schoolchildren, further emphasizing its role as an inclusive community space.

Evenings at the Ice Park take on a magical ambiance with energy-efficient lighting and synchronized color music displays, adding to the festive charm.

Part of Sofia’s Sports Legacy

The reopening of the Ice Park aligns with Sofia’s designation as the World Capital of Sport 2024, a title it holds until it passes the honor to Monaco in a December 12 ceremony.

For locals and tourists alike, the Ice Park provides a unique blend of sport, entertainment, and holiday cheer. As Deputy Mayor Vassilev aptly noted during the opening, “This is more than a skating rink—it’s a place where Sofia comes alive in winter.”

With its world-class facilities and vibrant atmosphere, Sofia’s Ice Park is set to be a focal point of winter celebrations, drawing crowds eager to lace up their skates and embrace the season’s spirit.