Conquering the Longest Ice Rink in Europe and Russia - My Unforgettable Experience
Hello everyone, and happy travels!
I took all these photos myself.
I'm a huge fan of ice skating, and it's one of my go-to winter sports. To be honest, I was a bit bummed that I only got to visit this rink once this year, because it really blew me away.
This is the new rink in Kolomenskoye, on Tsar Embankment - it's the longest rink in Europe and Russia, and it just opened for the first time this year. I found out about this place on irecommend and immediately added it to my bucket list - and I'm so glad I got to experience it for myself!
The rink is 1.7 km long as a standalone route, which is pretty impressive. The total area is almost 13,500 square meters, making it a massive ice skating facility.
Getting to the rink in Kolomenskoye on Tsar Embankment can be a bit tricky. The road to get here is super slippery, and we almost fell over 20 times because the path along the river was cleared all the way down to the ice, and even the salt didn't help. The sign in the park is a bit wonky, and it's not exactly clear where to head if you're not familiar with the Tsar Embankment.
From the park entrance, you need to turn left, walk along the atrium, and before the descent to the embankment, you'll hit a fork in the road. The left path will take you to the rink on the festival square, while the right path will take you to the one on the Tsar Embankment. And it's a pretty long walk, so you'll need to head straight along the embankment to the right, towards the fire pits. They're visible from a distance.
Just look at this bare ice instead of asphalt... it's a game-changer. The only place where I didn't almost crash was on the descent... there were stairs and a bit of snow. Along the way, there were sponsor installations, little trees, and other decorative bits that added to the ambiance.
sunset views along the embankment
I have to say, the ice rink schedule in Kolomensky is pretty convenient. It operates every day except Monday, with a break from 15 to 17 hours for ice maintenance. I was lucky to catch a great session at the ice rink, which was a great choice. We managed to get there on a Tuesday, and it was a great decision. There's a break from 15 to 17 hours for ice maintenance, so it's best to arrive at 17 hours when the ice is perfectly smooth and clean.
I avoided going during the New Year's holidays because the prices for tickets were crazy. I heard it was impossible to get in, and I'm sure many visitors were not happy about that. The ticket price during the holidays was 1400 rubles, which is a rip-off. I paid 600 rubles for a ticket to skate on a Tuesday, which is the lowest price for an adult ticket. It's a great value for money!
The price on Friday was 700 rubles
And on weekends, it was 900 rubles
So, it's clear that Tuesday is the best day to go, hands down! Also, you can rent skates if you don't have your own. It's basically the same price as the ticket, so just multiply the ticket price by 2.
I was able to get in a solid 1.5 hours of skating, which is more than enough time to get a good session in. The only extended session is in the evening at 8 PM, and it lasts for 2 hours instead of 1.5. The locker room is huge and open, with a small coffee shop on the right side.
On the left side, you've got the skate rental, benches for changing, toilets, and lockers to store your gear. The entire floor in the locker room and the outdoor area is rubberized, which is a great touch to protect our skates. You don't need to bring skate guards, which is a nice bonus.
One thing that caught me off guard was how spotty the cell phone signal is in the locker room. But, I'll give them credit, there are outlets at the benches where you can charge your phone. The power's a bit weak, but it's better than nothing.
You have to go through a turnstile to get on the ice, and you'll need to scan a QR code on your ticket. The staff in the red puff jackets on skates are always on hand to answer questions, help you lace up your skates, and remind you to follow the rules.
Here's what the exit looks like. Ice quality and route are top-notch, by the way. I was blown away by the ice the moment I stepped on it! It's smooth, even, and completely free of cracks and divots. It's really beautiful and smooth to skate on, too - it's a total breeze, no effort required.
The route is a big, well-lit straight line right along the waterfront. There are plenty of places to stop and turn around, so even if you're heading in the opposite direction, it's not a problem. I love that the boardwalks are made of wood and are super high up. If you're not a great skater, it's actually really easy to cruise along them.
If your legs are feeling tired, you can try taking a break on one of these comfy-looking benches... but be warned, getting up from them is a whole different story. They're so low to the ground, you'll basically be sliding off onto the ice. I didn't dare try it!
The rink is beautifully lit along the entire length of the boardwalk, and the string lights overhead create a really cool canopy effect. I had an absolute blast cruising along. When you reach the end of the route, there are Christmas trees at both ends, and as you curve around them, you end up on the return route. It's this quirky, circular motion that's just so much fun.
After an hour and a half of skating, my legs are killing me, but the ice still looks great – it's just got a few cracks here and there. If you've still got a chance to hit this place before the end of the ice season, I'd say it's definitely worth a visit – the long, beautiful route and the great ice make for an unforgettable experience!
And, yeah, I conquered the longest ice rink in Europe and Russia!
Overall, I would highly recommend this ice rink to anyone who loves ice skating. The route is long and beautiful, the ice is top-notch, and the staff are friendly and helpful. It's a great place to spend a winter afternoon, and I'm so glad I got to experience it for myself.
So, if you're looking for a fun and memorable ice skating experience, be sure to check out the longest ice rink in Europe and Russia in Kolomenskoye. I promise you won't be disappointed!
Rating: 5/5 stars
Long and beautiful route
Top-notch ice quality
Friendly and helpful staff
Convenient ice rink schedule
Great value for money
Getting to the rink can be a bit tricky
Cell phone signal can be spotty in the locker room