The ice hockey world stretches far beyond the NHL, with some of the world's most recognized rinks located in North America. There is something special about international hockey venues in Europe and Asia. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, hoping for a once-in-a-lifetime game day experience, or a tourist looking to see some legendary venues, make sure these stadiums are on your list.
From iconic stadiums that have seen legendary battles to Olympic stage arenas that played home to the peak of the game, these venues not only provide a place to watch hockey but also an experience of the game’s culture. The KHL also matters on the global scene, home to some of the best teams on the world stage not based in North America.
A few minutes were spent gawking at images of the great international hockey barns of the world. But these stadiums are not only about the game; a chance to witness iconic cultural experiences, historical events, and enthusiastic fans.
One major reason to come to these arenas is the fan experience, which is nothing like the NHL. The whole vibe of hockey in Europe is different, it's loud, the crowd chants, and there is a soccer-like energy there that brings your game to life like no other.
Yet another reason is the rich history of these international hockey venues. Many have been home to legendary matches: Olympic gold medal games, World Championship finals, and club rivalries of great ferocity. You will be sitting in seats where hockey history was made when you attended a game at one of these historic stadiums. The KHL's expansion has also played a role in increasing the profile of these venues.
The second-strongest league in the world, it boasts some of the best talent outside of North America. Going to watch a KHL game that showcases premier hockey in a mesmerizing atmosphere. Most of these stadiums also have an Olympic connection. Some were venues for the Olympic stage, the site of historic moments in the world of hockey, a mecca bleachers for the hardcore fan.
Hartwall Arena is a world-class international hockey arena and the home of Jokerit, Finland’s most famous hockey club. The team had previously played in the KHL before returning to Finland’s top league as their fanatically loyal fan base followed. Several high-profile events, including multiple IIHF World Championship games, have also previously taken place at this arena. Still a modern design with a rabid fan experience, it is a must-visit for hockey fans on an overseas excursion.
SKA Arena has some competition in terms of top-class, international hockey venues in Russia, but because of its role in the KHL and high level of play, it stands out above the rest. Occupying the same real estate as SKA St. Petersburg, one of the league’s most dominant teams of all time, this stadium produces as dynamic and electric an atmosphere as any NHL building.
The team is one of the few European elite clubs to win multiple titles, and the arena is also an important part of the European hockey scene, having hosted IIHF tournaments beyond club competition. This, coupled with the facilities, skill set, and level of play, make for an experience unlike anything else in the world.
Prague’s O2 Arena — one of Europe’s largest and newest international hockey arenas — sits in the heart of Europe. HC Sparta Praha's home ground, the stadium, has some world-class infrastructure and an amazing atmosphere. The arena was the host of a number of IIHF World Championships as well as a candidate venue for an Olympic venue during Prague’s bidding for the Winter Games. O2 Arena is one of the historic stadiums in the region, with history and high-tech facilities.
The Ericsson Globe (now named Avicii Arena), a landmark of Swedish hockey, is one of the most iconic international hockey buildings on earth. As a bonus, this unique spherical stadium has hosted several IIHF World Championship games and even several NHL Global Series matches.
Sweden’s best teams, including Djurgårdens IF, have staged crucial games inside, and the stadium remains a center for both domestic and international hockey. With meticulous Swedish supporters and state-of-the-art arena design, it guarantees a superb fan environment.
The Swiss Life Arena, where the ZSC Lions play in the Swiss league, is a testament to Switzerland’s love of hockey. This stadium is regarded as one of the most modern hockey arenas in Europe, bringing a whole new level of availability for fans.
Switzerland hosts many major tournaments, including the IIHF World Championship, and this venue will be a key part of any future international competition. What makes it an arena all its own—it's not even about hockey—is that it is worth a visit for any hockey traveler with its state-of-the-art layout and vibrant feel.
Constructed for the 2014 Winter Olympics, the Bolshoy Ice Dome is still one of the most impressive Olympic venues built by Russia. The arena was meant to evoke the image of a freeze-dried drop of water, representing the beauty of the game.
It was initially built as an Olympic venue, but it has already accommodated KHL matches and international tournaments. This arena has historical significance as well as modern amenities that ensure it is one of the most unique international hockey arenas to visit.
As an elite hockey country, Germany boasts the Mercedes-Benz Arena, home of Eisbären Berlin. Behind the rafters, it is one of Europe’s best international hockey arenas, where a dedicated fan experience and electric atmosphere can be found.
The arena also regularly hosts NHL Global Series games, serving as a vital link between North America and Europe hockey-wise. Whether witnessing a domestic league match or an international showdown, the energy inside this arena is unrivaled.
Few historic stadiums have the atmosphere of PostFinance Arena. This venue has one of Europe’s best-supported teams, SC Bern, and it’s one of the most passionate fan experiences this side of North America.
The large terrace area results in a distinctive stadium atmosphere, and the arena is famous for its deafening crowd noise and fervent fans. It has hosted many IIHF World Championship games while remaining a staple of the Swiss hockey culture.
Helsinki Ice Hall is one of the best-respected historic stadiums in Europe and has housed Finnish hockey for decades. It is not the biggest venue, but given the intimate setting, you can see the blistering European speed really well, making it one of the best places to watch the game in person.
The venue has witnessed some legendary moments and memorable matches, ranging from Liiga games to international tournaments. It is still a prime place for fans looking for a real in-country experience of one of the sport’s most fanatical nations.
Slovakia’s passion for hockey is epitomized by the Ondrej Nepela Arena, one of Central Europe’s top international hockey arenas. This is where the IIHF World Championships have been played and is also home to HC Slovan Bratislava, a former KHL tenant.
With Slovakian hockey traditions and modernized facilities, the picturesque arena lays a perfect balance of the past and future to ensure a premier fan experience. Part of its importance in international tournaments contributes to it being one of the top search destinations for hockey fans' trips to historic stadiums on the continent.
When you are a passionate hockey fan, visiting international hockey arenas (outside of North America) is an experience that makes you see the game (and life) in a whole new light. Whether it’s the atmosphere of KHL matchups, the history of historic stadiums, or the glory of Olympic venues, all of them provide a unique experience that you will never forget.
From frosty Russian battlefields to the fabled rinks of Europe, these hockey hotbeds show that world-class hockey exists well beyond the NHL. If you’re going on a hockey-themed trip, these arenas are worth the price of admission.
This content was created by AI