A lap around the town hall

Fun on the ice

The Marktplein market square in Gouda is a striking piece of Dutch heritage. The freestanding fifteenth-century town hall is surrounded by the striking Waag, the tower of the Sint Jan church and many historic façades. In short: a central place of great beauty! Gouda events agency Grand Canyon wanted to share this beauty and make sure that as many people as possible would experience this place during the winter months.

Ice skating rink

Each winter, for more than 10 years now, there has been an open ice rink of 550m² in the market square. The presence of excellent catering and lounge facilities has made this ice rink an integral part of the city centre. However, it was the Gouda skating public that kept asking for a skating rink around the midpoint of the square: the iconic Gouda Town Hall. Grand Canyon adopted this idea and developed it further in cooperation with the market vendors of the Gouda Market and Ice-World.

A unique idea that of course involved many logistical and operational challenges. Due in no small part to the knowledge and experience of Ice-World, this ice rink project has been a great success.

Activities during the event:

Community School
KNSB skating week
ICE AGE! Winter games
100% NL Sing-along party
100% NL Freestyle battle
Disco skating
Kick-off Pink Year 2018
Skating clinics
Children’s parties

About 1,000 m² of ice floor, a Gouda circuit of 200 metres
Over 32,000 skaters of whom 5,000 children during the School Skating Week

Result for the visitors

The Gouda Town Hall skating circuit was a big hit. Over 32,000 skaters came from near and far. In total they covered about 50,000 km which is more than once around the earth!

It was also a great event for the less energetic visitors. Many people stood by the ice rink to watch the numerous skaters. The transparent walls of Grand Café Koek & Zopie offered a warm and unique view of the skating rink and the historic town hall. The cosy decor and the extensive menu with excellent service did the rest. Many lunched there or just went for a mulled wine or apple strudel. In the evening the location was used as a party venue. Around the turn of the year, many companies used the Grand Café as a presentation area or meeting point.

Many years of excellent cooperation

The ice rink is a celebration year after year, thanks to the efforts of more than 70 partners. Everyone has respect for the city and for each other, which always ensures a pleasant cooperation. An extensive promotional campaign ensures that the best possible use is made of the event.

The atmosphere on the market square in Gouda is always pleasant, but during the winter months you feel the magic. The young and the not so young have fun in one of the loveliest squares in the Netherlands!

Four reasons to rent or buy an ice skating rink from Ice-World

No risk, we deliver

For 30 years now, we have been helping our customers with successful and sustainable ice events. Ice-World is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.

Cost efficient

Our patented system is up to 40% more energy efficient than other systems, quick to assemble and dismantle and it works excellently at higher temperatures.

Tailor made ice solutions

We provide advice for the organisation of both temporary ice events and permanent ice skating rinks, based on your specific wishes.

100% CO2 compensation

Ice-World compensates 100 percent for CO2 emissions by means of wind power, its own solar panels and mangrove forests.