Kaiserslautern on Ice

Ice-cold winter fun will be available in Kaiserslautern, when the mobile ice-skating rink opens its doors tonight. The winter wonderland for ice skaters under the motto “Kaiserslautern on Ice” can be found in the event hall at the Gartenschau area until Feb. 12.

Skaters can turn their rounds on an 800-square-meter artificial ice surface.

“The concept of the ice-skating rink puts the sports aspect and fun in the foreground,” said Alexander Hess from the project office for city events. “Children and adults can expect an entertaining program again.”

After the official opening by Deputy Mayor Peter Kiefer and Gartenschau Queen Kathrin Krämer at 6 p.m. today, visitors can enjoy a little show on ice. Then, ice-skaters can test the rink for a reduced price of €2.

Santa Claus on ice will make his appearance and pass out gifts to children Dec. 6. Ice curling tournaments are scheduled to take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 29 and Feb. 7.

Those who don’t have their own ice skates can rent some for €3.50 from the rental office, which also offers the skate sharpening. Every Friday afternoon, inexperienced skaters under 14 can make their first steps onto the ice with a licensed instructor. The skating rink also offers Penguins and other training aids for beginners.

To warm up cold fingers, rest the feet and take a break, visitors can sit down in the restaurant area next to the ice surface and watch the happenings on the surface.

The 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. On Fridays and Saturdays, the rink stays open until 10 p.m.

School classes that want to spend their field trip or their 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 €2.50 for children and €3.50 for adults. For those who like skating a lot, a ticket for 12 times at a reduced price is available. Tickets will be sold at the Gartenschau entrance.

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.