Weißensee ready for first international Pond Hockey tournament in January

By way of explanation: the term “Pond Hockey” can be translated as “pond hockey”. From 16–18 January 2026, Weißensee will host an international Pond Hockey tournament for the first time – a return to hockey as it used to be: playing on natural ice, three-on-three, simple equipment, with fair play and fun taking centre stage.

11 January 20261 min read

Weißensee in Carinthia is likely one of the few lakes in Central Europe whose natural ice can provide the perfect basis for an event of this kind. For the first international Pond Hockey tournament at Weissensee, 20 pitches measuring 30 x 18 metres will be prepared. 1.800 metres of wooden boards, 40 goals measuring 25 cm high, as well as 60 referees and numerous helpers will ensure optimal playing conditions.

For the Austrian premiere of this tournament in January 2026, up to 96 teams can register in total.

Around 900 players and more than 1.000 accompanying persons are expected. The tournament perfectly complements the subsequent speed skating marathons of the alternative Dutch 11-Cities Tour, whose infrastructure – including the tent city – will be reused sustainably.

The tournament’s preliminary-round matches will take place on the morning of 17 January. The play-offs will follow that afternoon, with the medal decisions to be made on Sunday. In between, there will be an extensive supporting programme, including Rock & Pop parties on Friday and Saturday, a Villach/Klagenfurt cities showdown, a celebrity match and a youth tournament.

Organiser Christian Kresse: “This tournament allows us to experience the hockey of the past anew: three-on-three, simple equipment, nature at its purest. We expect up to 1.000 enthusiastic recreational players, all united by one thing: a passion for hockey – and that will make Weißensee the country’s most authentic natural-ice hockey venue in 2026.”

Organiser Gerhard Brügger: “PondHockey at Weißensee combines childhood memories with a unique natural-ice experience. With a maximum of 96 teams, 20 pitches and hockey fans from many countries, we are creating an international hockey festival in Austria for the first time in 2026. Our aim: a sustainable event, fair play, enjoyment of the game and a boost for winter tourism in Carinthia.”

Registration is still possible at www.pondhockey.at.
Entry fee per team: € 350,-

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