Pforzheimer Winterwelt

Pforzheimer Winterwelt — Winter Season in the Gold City

When the Waisenhausplatz in Pforzheim city center is set up with a large ice rink, the Schwarzwald-Stadl, and the SP6 Winterhütte from mid-November, the Pforzheimer Winterwelt is back. In the 2025/26 season, the event runs from mid-November 2025 to January 6, 2026 — the fourth edition of the city's winter festival that accompanies Pforzheim residents through the cold season. With the Winterwelt, the city of Pforzheim relies on a sustainable, CO2-neutral concept — making it one of the most innovative winter events in Southern Germany.

WSP Kufenland — the synthetic CO2-neutral ice rink

The technological highlight of the Winterwelt is the WSP Kufenland ice rink. Unlike classic ice rinks made of frozen water, WSP Kufenland runs on synthetic ice — specially developed high-performance plastic that imitates the properties of real ice. You skate practically as if on real ice, with normal skates. The advantages: CO2-neutral balance (no water- and electricity-intensive ice production), 100% recyclable, weather-independent (can still be used at +15°C). This makes the Winterwelt a flagship project for sustainable city events.

Ice Stock Sport and Family Fun

In addition to the ice rink, the Winterwelt offers classic ice stock sport — the alpine tradition of 'Stockschießen', similar to curling. Families and corporate groups book the ice stock lanes in advance and enjoy a classic winter game with intense excitement and conviviality. There are learning aids for beginners, smaller skate sizes from size 25 for children — and skate rental is completely free.

Schwarzwald-Stadl — Alpine Gastronomy

The Winterwelt's gastronomy focuses on the authentic Schwarzwald-Stadl, run by Müller's — with alpine specialties: cheese fondue, raclette, Rösti, sausage salad, cheese Spätzle, Black Forest gateau, mulled wine in several varieties, Feuerzangenbowle, punch, and hot chocolate. The second gastronomic offering is the SP6 Winterhütte — a modern outdoor bar with cocktails, beers, and small dishes.

Opening Hours and Access

The Winterwelt is open daily:

• Sunday–Thursday: 3:00 PM–6:45 PM
• Friday–Saturday: 3:00 PM–7:45 PM

The Waisenhausplatz is fully accessible via a ramp — even though the ice rink itself is not usable for wheelchair users. Two disabled parking spaces are available at the entrance. Reservations for ice stock sport are required via the website; ice skating is possible without reservation.

Pforzheim — the Gold City on the Edge of the Black Forest

The city of Pforzheim, with around 130,000 inhabitants, is Germany's Gold City — home of the traditional jewelry and watch industry. It is located on the northern edge of the Black Forest in Baden-Württemberg, at the confluence of the Enz, Nagold, and Würm rivers. The city center with the central Waisenhausplatz was rebuilt in a modern style after the heavy bombings of World War II and today offers compact shopping and event areas — perfect for a Winterwelt in the middle of the city.