Ice skating in 19th c. Warsaw

​     In January 1845, an article appeared in the newspaper Kurjer Warszawski about the newest fad of ice skating: “This winter ice skating is the newest fun activity. The London papers report that Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, enjoys skating practically every day and the young lords are following his example. Here in the pleasant Powązki in a place called Izabelin ( western portion of Warsaw) they have organized ice skating which is much enjoyed by Warsovians and much more so because in adjacent rooms
you can get something to eat and drink. Seen skating at the Izabelin are not only men but women as well.”​ 
​     Thanks to carefully kept archives we can get a picture of how the people of Warsaw enjoyed one of the most popular wintertime entertainments in various parks throughout the city.

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  Ice skating on the frozen Wisła as seen from the Praga district. Illustration from the periodical  “Kłosy.” 1870

 Outdoor ice skating on the waters of Łazienki Park. 1845-1889. Archiwum Państwowe w Warszawie

Outdoor ice skating in Ujazdowski Park. Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe. 1845-1889

​     Ice skating continued to be a popular wintertime activity in Warsaw into the 20th century

Ogród Saski 1927.  Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe

​     Spreading out from the capital city, ice skating as a wintertime activity became popular throughout all of Poland.  From a recreational activity it soon developed its own clubs, organizations, associations and eventually also into a competitive sport.