As winter sets in across Europe, it’s the perfect time for festive activities like Christmas markets and, of course, ice skating.

While man-made ice rinks are fun, there is a place in Austria that has a natural ice rink that’s surrounded by views of the awe-inspiring Alps.

Lake Weissensee is Europe’s largest natural ice rink and it transforms into a winter paradise each year.

The ice is 40cm thick and stretches for miles towards the horizon, offering the perfect place for casual and competitive skaters alike.

If you’re new to skating and feeling a little nervous then don’t panic, the ice skating schools at Lake Weissensee ensure that beginners can enjoy the sport and advanced skaters can refine their technique.

If you’re feeling brave you can even dive under the ice and marvel at the incredible underwater landscape.

There are two providers of these dive located at the east and west shore of Lake Weissensee, that will take you into the depths of the lake

You can even go ice fishing, beginning in March. Fishing permits are available at the Weissensee Information and a day pass to fish costs just € 31.00 (plus a deposit of € 10.00).

On the shores of the lake there’s a whole host of bars and restaurants where you can sample delicious festive treats after a long day on the ice. 

Lake Weissensee puts special emphasis on the selection of food and its preparation so instead of fast-food chains, there are regional delicacies and local highlights such as Weissensee fish.

People who have visited this wintery paradise have been blown away by it’s beauty, writing on TripAdvisor that it offers a serene escape from the crowds.

“It is considered by many Austrians to be a bit remote and underdeveloped,” said one person. 

“But many visitors will find both these attributes positive. It is far less overdeveloped than many Austrian lakes and is breathtakingly beautiful.”

“Beautiful views, many opportunities in nature, such as hiking, skating, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and cycling,” said another.

If you want a gorgeous winter getaway there are a few ways to get to the lake from the UK. You can drive through the Eurotunnel, although this can take up to 13 hours or you can fly from Heathrow to Salzburg then catch a train to Lake Weissensee.

You can also train straight from London St Pancras although this is a lengthy trip, with a minimum travel time of 20 hours.