A winter outing at the Ice Sculpture Festival

We were visiting the Ice Sculpture Festival in Biddinghuizen. No fewer than 45 top international artists have worked here with over 300,000 kilos of ice and 275,000 kilos of snow to create a world where fantasy, creativity and wonder come together in a magical winter experience. You imagine yourself in the middle of an icy movie set full of familiar characters, impressive details and surprising effects. We feasted our eyes and had a great time.

Pre-lunch next to the golf course

We started our afternoon not in the cold, but with a fine lunch at Brasserie Harderwold. This cozy brasserie overlooking the golf course is less than a ten-minute drive from the Ice Sculpture Festival and is ideal for a relaxed start to the visit. After lunch we drove on to the IJsbeeldenfestival. Parking was easy in the spacious parking lot and we were able to enter without waiting.

Through the refrigerator door inside

To keep the ice sculptures in perfect condition, the space is refrigerated to as low as -10 degrees. That means you first walk through a sturdy refrigerator door before entering the exhibition. Once inside, you are led along the various scenes via aisles as if by yourself.

From film classics to fantasy and blockbusters

This year’s theme is Let’s go to the movies: ice sculptures from the silver screen, and you’ll see it everywhere. More than 150 ice sculptures, spread over 1,500 m², will take you past iconic films and unforgettable characters.

We started at true classics such as The Blues Brothers, Marilyn Monroe and Mary Poppins. Then we walked on to fantasy worlds including Alice in Wonderland and The Minions.

Lovers of action and spectacle also had plenty to enjoy. The Avengers, The Matrix, Jurassic Park and The Lord of the Rings are all impressively depicted in ice. Each theme feels different, so the route continues to continually surprise.

Ice art with an eye for detail

What impresses most of all is the craftsmanship. Some sculptures are so clear that the ice almost looks like glass. Other sculptures, on the other hand, have a matte, sanded look or appear to be painted white, like the ghost from Ghostbusters. Through the use of different techniques and lighting effects, the sculptures really come alive. In some areas, white tones and pure ice forms predominate, while other areas are enriched with colorful lighting. This provides plenty of variety and makes you keep watching.

Warm up on the way

While walking through the exhibition, we came across a schnapps bar. Here you can order a small herbal liqueur, ideal for warming yourself up inside before moving on. A fun and fitting addition to the winter character of the festival.

Outside still plenty of entertainment

After the trail ends, the fun isn’t over yet. In the outdoor area you will find a cozy poffertjes stall and several fire pits where you can warm up by. For children and other active people there is plenty to do. Think of a playground, a tubing slide and even two curling lanes. That makes the Ice Sculpture Festival not just an exhibition, but truly a complete outing.

Finish with something hot

We ended our visit in the hospitality square inside, where we enjoyed a hot drink. A nice moment to recover and talk about everything we had seen. As far as we are concerned, the Ice Sculpture Festival in Biddinghuizen is highly recommended. Not only because of the beautiful ice sculptures, but also because of the good organization and the extra activities around it. A winter experience you will not soon forget.

The Ice Sculpture Festival can be visited until March 8.

Credits photos: OpstapmetLisa.nl