Ice-skating in Yerevan

Now, it is winter, and there is not much to do outside. However, there are some entertainments for you in Yerevan in winter as well. This article is to tell you where to go for ice-skating while here. I have picked up two spots for you, one of which is in the open-air. 

Swan Lake

Swan Lake is located in the heart of Yerevan. It is actually not a lake but a huge pool filled with water, though known as a lake. Many festivals and big events take place in its surrounding area. Even on Vardavar (Armenian traditional water festival), people jump into the water of this lake. In spring, summer and autumn, there are also black and white swans swimming in it, but in winters the lake transforms into an ice-skating park. It is always fun to walk around it or skate there. In the evening, when the street lights are on, good music plays, and you skate there, it feels like you are in a fairy-tale especially when it also snows. This area is always very crowded. The lake is not super huge, but it is enough for everybody to have space for skating. The entrance fee also includes the ice-skating shoes for the given period. 

Swan Lake

Swan Lake, Yerevan, Armenia

Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex

The name of Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex (known as Hamalir among the locals) itself talks about what this building serves for. However, besides its main mission, the building in winters also opens its doors to all ice-skating lovers. I think this is actually the biggest one in the town and also much visited. Here, you can borrow the ice-skating shoes. The entrance fee is not much. I guess this is the best way to relax. 

Karen Demirchyan Complex

Jerevan, Armenië

Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex is very close to the Tsistsernakaberd (the Genocide Memorial). It is also in a walking distance from the Tumo Park and Tumo center for creative theologies. The complex is accessible by car as well. However, if you decide to walk from the street, you will need to overcome the challenge of 184 stairs that lead to its entrance. 

Tumanyan Park (Tumo Park)

Tumanyan Park, 13 Halabyan St, Yerevan 0038, Armenia

TUMO Center for Creative Technologies

16 Halabyan St, Yerevan 0038, Armenia

Tsitsernakaberd

Tsitsernakaberd Hwy, Yerevan, Armenië

The building itself is very interesting and is built in a unique architectural style. The surrounding area is nice for walking and also for running in the morning. It is surrounded by trees and has a nice view of the city and Mount Ararat when the weather is not foggy.

I would not say that the Ice-skating as a sport is very developed in Armenia, as many professionals go abroad to study and get prepared for the Olympic Games. But for non-professionals who just want to skate for fun, the Ice-skating conditions that offer the Swan Lake and Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex are good, and it is a great way to spend time with friends and family.