Drone footage captures the world's biggest ice rink

The rink in Moscow, Russia, has a total area of 20,500 square metres

Russia is a country known for its flat landscapes and freezing temperatures so it's obvious the world's largest ice rink is in the country's capital, Moscow.

The artificial ice rink opened on 28 November at the National Exhibition of Economic Achievements (VDNKh) in an area of the city between the Peoples’ Friendship fountain and the Stone Flower fountain.

There is a total of 20,500 square metres of ice and visitors are guided around by entertainers who show them the many sections of the colossal rink, which features a Lovers’ Alley and a playground as well as a professional hockey rink and a large space for skating.

To get a sense of the sheer size of the rink, video news agency Ruptly sent its resident drone to fly over the icy expanse. The footage shows what appears to be a cross between an ice city and a snow motorway, with various lanes and dozens of different routes around the large rink.

Once tired of gliding, skaters also have access to four open-air cafes; not that appealing during a Russian winter. There is, of course, several skate sharpening stations, just in case your Torvill and Dean routine is being hindered by some dodgy skates.

The Moscow City Government says that rink is open from 11:00am to 11:00pm (Tuesday through Thursday) with a technical break from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. On Friday, weekends and holidays, the rink will open at 10 am.

The rink is closed on Mondays.