Amsterdam Icebar

The Amsterdam Icebar, officially XtraCold Icebar Amsterdam, is an ice bar like many seen in various European cities. A decidedly trendy experience, and could the Dutch capital escape this trend? Of course not!

Certainly once you enter, you will find yourself in a truly unique place: at the Icebar Amsterdam, you will immerse yourself in a world built out of 35 tonnes of ice, from the walls to the sculptures, even your glasses, and you will experience the North Pole inspired by Dutch explorer Willem Barents. The entire environment is kept at a constant temperature of -10 degrees, except for a heated area at the entrance. Best of all, you get three free drinks with your visit.

Visit to the Amsterdam Icebar

At the entrance to the Amsterdam Icebar you will be given three tokens, one gold and two silver. The gold one can be exchanged in the heated lounge area before the actual entrance, while the two silver ones can be exchanged inside. With the gold token you can order a beer or a series of alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails; with the silver one you can order beer, orange juice or some alcoholic shots. Remember that the Amsterdam Icebar does not serve food.

Once inside, you can stay in the cold zone for up to 20 minutes, while the heated zone is free.

The inspiration: the story of Willem Barents

The Amsterdam Icebar was inspired by the voyage of Dutch explorer Willem Barents and his crew, when in the 16th century they were stranded for a year on the Russian Arctic island of Nova Zembla in search of the Northeast Passage. During their forced stay, their lives were constantly threatened by extreme cold and polar bears. With no way out and no hope of survival in that place so cold and far from civilisation, they tried to return in June 1597 in small boats, only managing to reach Amsterdam after a five-month sea voyage, during which five explorers, including Willem Barents himself, lost their lives.

Tickets for the Amsterdam Icebar

The Amsterdam Icebar can only be accessed by paying an entrance fee, which can be purchased at the ticket counter or online in advance. Admission includes three free drinks and the hire of gloves and a thermal coat. Please note that no shoes will be provided, so we strongly advise against arriving at the Icebar with sandals, flip-flops or open-toed shoes.

Reservations are mandatory, as places in the bar are limited. If you purchase an open-date ticket, you will need to make a reservation at the Tours and Tickets office located at Damrak 26, a 3-minute walk from the central station. At the office, reservations will be subject to availability. In any case, tickets can be cancelled free of charge up to 8 hours before the scheduled time of entry.

Admission to the Amsterdam Icebar is prohibited for persons under the age of 18.

Opening hours

TheAmsterdam Ice bar is open daily from 11.45 a.m. to 1.00 a.m. The last entry must be made 40 minutes before closing time.

The Icebar is closed a few days a year around January-February for reconstruction work on the ice interior. The dates of these extraordinary closures vary from year to year, but are published a few days in advance on the official website.

How to get to the Amsterdam Icebar

The Amsterdam Icebar is located along Amstel 194-196, a short distance from the famous Magere Brug bridge. You can get there comfortably by tram 4 or 14 from Central Station, getting off at Rembrandtplein (2 stops) and then walking for 3 minutes. Alternatively, the metro is also very convenient: lines 51, 53 and 54 stop at Waterlooplein, from where you can walk 3 minutes to the Icebar.

For those who choose to arrive by car, the nearest car park is Parking Waterlooplein, located at Valkenburgerstraat 238.