HAPPENING 6 DEC '26 – 3 JAN '27 | Rotterdam's Noordereiland is getting a new winter attraction, with an ice rink overlooking the River Maas and the city's skyline. Schaatsen op de Maas will offer four weeks of skating on real ice, surrounded by Christmas lights, winter stalls and opportunities to warm up with a drink by the waterfront.
Image: Schaatsen op de Maas is planned for 6 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. AI-generated artist's impression; the final appearance may differ. Photo: Schaatsen op de Maas.
ROTTERDAM, 19 October 2026 - From Sunday 6 December, the former bridgehead beside Bar Tij on Noordereiland will become a temporary ice rink, welcoming visitors throughout the Christmas season until Sunday 3 January 2027. The rink will be open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, with space for approximately 150 skaters at a time.
The attraction, called Schaatsen op de Maas (Skating on the Maas), is being developed by Stichting Stadsmakers, a new Rotterdam foundation established to bring more activity to public spaces. Its location on the river gives skaters views of the Rotterdam skyline, creating a different setting from the city's more traditional ice-skating facilities.
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Real ice, Christmas lights and winter activities
According to the organisers, the rink will feature real ice made by freezing water from the River Maas. A large stretch tent will provide shelter above the skating area, while Christmas trees, festive lighting and wooden winter huts will help create a seasonal atmosphere around the rink.
Visitors will be able to buy hot chocolate, glühwein and other refreshments, making the waterfront location a place to spend time even if they don't plan to skate.
Alongside regular skating sessions, the organisers are preparing a programme of themed activities, including ice discos. There will also be opportunities for schools to arrange visits and for businesses to organise group events. The full activity programme has yet to be announced.
The neighbouring Bar Tij, which opened on Noordereiland in September 2026, is also involved in the initiative. Visitors can combine a skating session with lunch, dinner or drinks at the waterfront restaurant.
A new use for Rotterdam's waterfront
Schaatsen op de Maas is the first initiative from Stichting Stadsmakers, founded in 2026 by Xander Olthof, Tjeerd van Rossen and Cornelis Kleinjan. The foundation aims to give public spaces in Rotterdam temporary new uses, particularly where there are opportunities to bring residents together.
The former bridgehead of the First Willemsbrug, beside Bar Tij, was chosen for its waterfront location and views across the city. The site previously hosted the seasonal pop-up restaurant A La Plancha and has long been recognised as a distinctive location on Noordereiland.
According to co-founder Cornelis Kleinjan, the foundation wants to give something back to Rotterdam by creating places where people can meet and enjoy themselves. Schaatsen op de Maas is intended to welcome a broad audience, from families and school groups to friends, colleagues and couples looking for a winter outing.
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Tickets and opening hours
Schaatsen op de Maas is scheduled to open on Sunday 6 December 2026 and continue through Sunday 3 January 2027.
Dates: 6 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 to 22:00
Location: Former bridgehead beside Bar Tij, Noordereiland, Rotterdam
Capacity: Approximately 150 skaters at a time
Tickets: Online reservations using designated time slots
Skate hire: Available to reserve online
Website: schaatsenopdemaas.nl
Ticket prices and the detailed programme have not yet been confirmed. Visitors are advised to check the organiser's website for the latest information before booking.
How to get there
Schaatsen op de Maas is located at the former bridgehead beside Bar Tij on Noordereiland, close to the site of the First Willemsbrug.
You can reach Noordereiland on foot or by bicycle via the Willemsbrug from the city centre or the Koninginnebrug from Rotterdam-Zuid. If you are travelling by public transport, check your route before departing, as the rink is situated on the waterfront rather than directly beside a metro station.
The neighbouring Bar Tij is located at Van der Takstraat 2, 3071 LL Rotterdam.
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