Kaiserslautern on Ice

Ice-cold winter fun will be available in the center of Kaiserslautern when the mobile ice-skating rink opens its doors today.

The winter wonderland for ice skaters under the motto “Kaiserslautern on Ice” is set up in a mobile tent on the old theater parking lot (next to the Karstadt department store) through Jan. 24.

“We chose this central location again so people can combine a visit of the ice skating rink with other winter events such as the Christmas market around Stiftskirche and on Schillerplatz and the culture market inn Fruchthalle,” said Alexander Hess, from the project office for city events.

Skaters can make their rounds in a tent with a 600-square-meter artificial ice surface.

“We want to put the sports aspect in the foreground,” Mr. Hess said. “People liked this most in the previous years.”

After the official opening at 7 p.m. today by Joachim Farber, deputy mayor and head of the sports department, ice skaters will be able to enter the rink at a reduced price of €1.50.

Those who don’t have their own ice skates can rent them. Skates can also be sharpened.

From 3:30 to 4 p.m. every Friday, inexperienced skaters can make their first steps on the ice with a licensed instructor. The rink offers many different training aids for beginners.

To warm up cold fingers and take a break, visitors can sit down in the bistro tent and watch the happenings on the icy surface.

An entertaining program will be offered on various days: Santa Claus will make his appearance Dec. 6 and the traditional ice curling tournament will take place Jan. 14.
Daily skating hours are from 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The rink stays open until 10 p.m.

School classes that want to spend their field trip or sports lesson on the mobile ice-skating rink, can register with the city sports department and agree on different skating times. For details and registration, call the sports department at 0631-365-1520.

Admission is €2 for children and €3 for adults. School classes pay €1.50 per person. For those who like skating a lot, a ticket for 12 visits at a reduced price is available. Skate rentals cost €3 and sharpening costs €6.

For more information, get the “Kaiserslautern on Ice” flyer from the Tourist Information Office next to the Fruchthalle building on Fruchthallstrasse.
Flyers can also be found in local stores and restaurants. For updates and news, visit www.kl-on-ice.de or www. kaiserslautern.de.