Ice skating enthusiasts in Bern can prepare their skates as the city's artificial ice rinks are set to open for the winter season. Starting this weekend, residents will have access to two key locations, offering opportunities for both recreational skating and organized club activities. This year, the Weyermannshaus ice rinks will play a central role due to ongoing renovations at another popular venue.
Key Takeaways
- The Weyermannshaus artificial ice rink opens on Saturday, October 5, 2025.
- The PostFinance Arena outdoor ice field opens on Friday, October 25, 2025.
- The Ka-We-De ice rink remains closed for renovations until the 2026/27 season.
- Both Weyermannshaus fields will be available to the public whenever possible.
- Specific public access times are scheduled for each location.
Bern's Ice Rinks Welcome Skaters
The transition from summer to winter leisure activities in Bern is now complete. Just days after the final city outdoor pool, Freibad Wyler, closed its doors for the season on Sunday, the city's ice rinks are preparing to launch their winter operations. This rapid shift ensures that residents have continuous access to recreational facilities.
The Kunsteisbahn Weyermannshaus is the first to open, welcoming skaters on Saturday, October 5, 2025. This facility is a crucial component of Bern's winter sports infrastructure, especially with other venues under maintenance.
Quick Facts: Weyermannshaus
- Opening Date: October 5, 2025
- Public Access: Both ice fields available when possible
- Weekday Hours: Until 5:00 PM
- Saturday Hours: Until 10:00 PM
- Sunday Hours: Until 6:00 PM (one field ideally open all day)
Following the Weyermannshaus opening, the outdoor ice field located at the PostFinance Arena will begin its season. This rink is scheduled to open on Friday, October 25, 2025, offering another option for ice sports and general public skating.
Ka-We-De Closed for Renovations
A significant change for this winter season is the closure of the Kunsteisbahn Ka-We-De. This popular ice rink is undergoing extensive renovation work. The closure is expected to last for the entire winter season, with its reopening planned for the 2026/27 ice season.
"Because the Ka-We-De remains closed this winter due to renovation work, both ice fields at Weyermannshaus will be available to the public whenever possible," stated a representative from the City of Bern. This highlights the importance of the Weyermannshaus facility in accommodating the city's skating needs during the interim period.
Background on Ka-We-De Renovations
The Ka-We-De ice rink is a long-standing facility in Bern. Its current renovation project aims to modernize the infrastructure and improve the overall user experience. While the closure is temporary, it impacts local ice sports clubs and public access for two full seasons.
Public Access and Scheduling
To manage the increased demand at Weyermannshaus, a detailed occupancy plan is in place. This plan balances the needs of local sports clubs with opportunities for free public skating. The goal is to maximize availability for all users.
At the Weyermannshaus ice rinks, public access is generally available on weekdays until 5:00 PM. On Saturdays, the fields are open to the public until 10:00 PM. Sundays offer extended hours, with public access until 6:00 PM. City officials aim to keep at least one ice field at Weyermannshaus open for public use throughout the entire day on Sundays, subject to operational feasibility.
The ice field in front of the PostFinance Arena will also have specific public hours. From Monday to Friday, it will be open from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM. On Saturdays, skaters can use this field until 10:00 PM, and on Sundays, it will be open until 5:45 PM.
Season End Dates
The winter ice skating season in Bern has defined end dates for each location. The Weyermannshaus ice rinks will conclude their operations on March 8, 2026. The outdoor ice field at the PostFinance Arena will close slightly earlier, with its season ending on March 1, 2026.
These dates mark the end of the artificial ice season, preparing the facilities for their next phase of use or maintenance. Residents are encouraged to plan their skating activities accordingly to enjoy the rinks before their respective closing dates.
- Weyermannshaus Season End: March 8, 2026
- PostFinance Arena Season End: March 1, 2026
The city's commitment to providing winter recreational opportunities remains strong, even with the temporary closure of Ka-We-De. The adjusted schedules and increased availability at Weyermannshaus ensure that Bern's residents can enjoy ice skating throughout the colder months.