skating the canals

Just when you think you’ve discovered all the groovy things about Munich, something new comes along. Like skating on frozen canals in front of a palace. Which is pretty much the coolest thing ever. OK, one of them.

Half of Munich seemed to be out on the Schloss Nymphenburg canals today, skating, walking, and playing Eisstockschießen, a mix between curling and bocce which clearly doesn’t count as a sport as it can be performed while wearing a full-length fur coat.

We skated down the canal to the end, stopping for a refreshing glass of glühwein before making the return journey. Along the way there are two bridges to skate under which require a little bit of ducking, unless you’re a kid or a midget.

The air was cold but the sun was shining, and the activity of skating kept us warm enough (most of the time, anyway). The whole scene looked like something from an old painting, where the women would be wearing long dresses and muffs while skating.

It was one of those days that will not easily be forgotten.

11 thoughts on “skating the canals”

  1. That looks soooo fun! I want to do that! We don’t have anything cool like that here in Annecy. I don’t think the canals here ever freeze though. :/

  2. what a great post! there are some older paintings out of the netherlands – people skating on the canals – dont remember the artists…
    ah, by the way, after reading your meal-by-meal in nyc post, will you be dieting this year? ;}

  3. Hi Jul,
    Enjoy the cold while it lasts! It’s supposed to go back above freezing today up here in the north, so our hopes of an ice party on the Alster lake are pretty slim for now.

  4. Oh How I miss my Euorpe days…its beautiful. Living in Ottawa now…its just quite the same. We can skate on the rideau canal but is not like in Munich! beautiful pics.

  5. Oh fun! I’m moving to Munich next month from North Carolina. Do you think there’s a chance it will still be open?

  6. Jennie – they don’t usually freeze this well here, I hear. This is the first year in a while that one can skate under the bridges. We’re lucky to be here for it!

    Deborah – no dieting for me! Maybe more exercise, but I’m done with dieting. 🙂

    Caddy – um, yeah, him…

    Helen – lol.

    Ian – I hear it’s supposed to get warmer soon here, too. Too bad, although I know several people who will be happy about it…

  7. Lisa – I bet there’s lovely skating in Ottawa. But it’s true, the palace definitely adds to the atmosphere. 🙂

    Anon – hard to say. They’re predicting warmer weather soon. At least the artificial rinks will still be open… Good luck with your move!

Comments are closed.