Glasi Hergiswil is transformed into a fairytale landscape

Fantastic Advent atmosphere around the ice rink at the Glasi in Hergiswil. In the centre of it all is the synthetic ice rink, which enchants young and old alike.

The ice rink at the ‘Glasi’ (glass manufacturing company) in Hergiswil, canton Nidwalden, had barely been set up by the Grüter Buttisholz company on the 21st November when the onset of winter arrived. On the planned opening day, the ice rink had to be cleared of 40 centimetres of snow by the ice master with helpers from the ‘Glasi’. Sales manager Marianne Malgieri had been inspired by the Ennetbürgen ice rink, which has been held four times since 2019. She brought the seven-strong team of ice masters from Ennetbürgen on board, and sought their advice beforehand.

The Advent atmosphere created directly on the shore of Lake Lucerne, with the illuminated, large Christmas trees and wooden banners, is phenomenal, and the bar offers a special ambience. Guests can enjoy an aperitif, mulled wine, tea or coffee on warmed cushions on the balustrade. And at the same time, they can keep an eye on the young people. The Advent market took place at the same time last weekend.

Like a dream
‘The ice rink even outshines the one at the KKL Lucerne,’ said Priska Landolt at the bar. Reason enough to join her and Hugo Roppel from Hergiswil on the ice rink. ‘It's mega beautiful here, exudes tranquillity, it's just like a dream and puts the ice event at the KKL in the shade,’ she added.

Marianne Malgieri and her team transform the square directly on the lake into a fairytale landscape.
Locals Hugo Roppel and Priska Landolt clearly feel at home and will be back
Joanna and David travelled from Engelberg with their parents
Laura (left) and sister Sarah from Haltingen (Germany) were surprised by their godmother with a visit to the Advent market and the ice rink
The synthetic ice rink was a hive of activity on Saturday evening    Photos: Ruedi Wechsler  

As a regular at the bar, she admires the outside area from inside the bar. Hugo Roppel was a sponsor and advisor to HC Geneva Servette for many years until their iconic coach Chris McSorley was released by Servette. The Canadian now lives in Hergiswil, and dreams of the new stadium in Sierre and of catapulting it into higher spheres. The Christmas atmosphere at the Glasi was great, and reminded him of Geneva. There, six real ice rinks are installed throughout the city in order to recruit potential young players.

Laura, 12, and Sarah, 10, from Haltingen near Weil am Rhein were also delighted: ‘We regularly visit my godmother in Hergiswil. Today, she surprised us with a visit to the ice rink,’ says Laura. Sarah was impressed by the sea of lights and the lake. Joanna Stirnimann travelled from Engelberg with her foster brother David and her parents, and mentioned the noticeable difference to natural ice. David also noticed that it is noticeably more slippery on the Glasi ice rink.

A unique and touching atmosphere
The large crowds of families at the Glasi playground during the summer inspired Marianne Malgieri to offer them something in the run-up to winter as well. She stands in front of the ice rink and emphasises: ‘It's so nice to see all the children on the ice and how their parents help them. The light atmosphere has a huge emotional impact on me,’ she adds. It’s the only ice rink in Switzerland directly on the lake. At the same time, the synergies with the ‘Glasi Bar’ can be optimally utilised. Experience is now being gathered and lessons learnt for a possible follow-up year.

The ice master team at the Glasi Hergiswil will look after guests every day from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. until 22nd December.