Image: from Visit Helsinki X@VisitHelsinki
By Isabella Harper | Staff Writer with Agencies
Helsinki’s iconic Oulunkylä ice field, the largest outdoor artificial ice rink in Europe, is reopening after a comprehensive renovation. The facility will welcome back skaters starting Sunday, with an official reopening event scheduled for Saturday, November 29. The event will be a family-friendly celebration, featuring activities such as ice sports demonstrations, a free ice disco, and appearances by local celebrities, including Deputy Mayor Paavo Arhinmäki and rapper VilleGalle.
A Modern Upgrade with Respect for Tradition
Originally built in 1977, the Oulunkylä rink has been a beloved winter destination for Helsinki residents, offering space for two bandy rinks and three speed skating tracks. The recent renovation, which started last year, aimed to modernize the infrastructure while preserving the site’s historically significant features. These include the rink’s signature concrete light poles and the suspended lights above the ice, elements that have become a distinctive part of its charm.
The renovation focused heavily on upgrading the refrigeration system, which has now been transformed into a hybrid model utilizing both geothermal heat and condensation heat from the cooling process. This sustainable approach reflects Helsinki’s commitment to blending environmental responsibility with modern technology. The work also included improvements to the adjacent ice hall, which houses a gym and exercise hall, further enhancing the overall user experience.
Environmental Sustainability and Technological Innovation
Deputy Mayor Paavo Arhinmäki emphasized the importance of the project, especially in the context of warming winters. “Maintaining natural ice has become increasingly difficult as winters warm,” Arhinmäki explained. “It is even more important that we continue to provide Helsinki residents with winter sports opportunities, such as free-of-charge public skating slots on artificial ice fields.”
The hybrid refrigeration system, which combines traditional methods with renewable energy sources like geothermal heat, is a significant step towards reducing the rink’s environmental impact. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the Oulunkylä ice field remains a sustainable and reliable winter sports venue for generations to come.
Free Skating and Sports Activities for All
In addition to the renovations, the Oulunkylä ice field will continue to offer free public skating sessions, which are an essential feature of Helsinki’s commitment to providing accessible winter sports activities. Separate areas will be reserved for skaters and stick users, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The ice field’s versatile design, with space for multiple sports tracks, makes it an ideal venue for various ice activities, including bandy and speed skating.
Public skating sessions will be held daily, with the opening of additional artificial ice fields across the city scheduled for November and December, depending on weather conditions. These rinks will also offer free public access, continuing Helsinki’s tradition of promoting winter sports to residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Official Opening Event and Family Activities
The official reopening event on November 29 promises to be a lively celebration of both the rink’s history and its new technological upgrades. In addition to speeches and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, the event will feature activities for the whole family, including ice sports demonstrations by local clubs. Helsinki’s sports services will also host games and activities at the edge of the rink, allowing visitors to try various ice sports with guidance from experienced instructors.
The event will culminate in an ice disco, a beloved tradition that brings a festive atmosphere to the rink. This combination of modern amenities, historical preservation, and community-focused activities highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality recreational opportunities for its residents.
A New Skating Venue in Sipoo
As part of Helsinki’s broader push to expand its ice sports infrastructure, a new artificial ice field will also open in Sipoo’s Söderkulla on Sunday, offering both a skating rink and a free-skating area. In the summer months, the site will be repurposed as a sand-based artificial turf field, providing a year-round space for outdoor activities.
A Winter Tradition Reimagined
With its rich history, state-of-the-art upgrades, and commitment to sustainability, the Oulunkylä ice field is set to continue its legacy as one of Helsinki’s premier winter sports venues. The reopening of this beloved rink signals a new chapter in the city’s efforts to blend tradition with modernity, creating an inclusive, environmentally-conscious space where residents and visitors can enjoy the joys of winter sports, no matter the weather.