XtraCold Icebar Amsterdam opened in the early 2010s and quickly became one of the city’s most distinctive themed attractions. The venue was created as a novelty bar experience combining sub-zero temperatures with immersive storytelling. A major renovation took place in 2015, during which the bar introduced its now well-known theme inspired by Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz and his Arctic voyage. Over the years, the Icebar has refreshed its sculptures, décor, and ice installations to maintain the frozen environment, regularly rebuilding the interior with freshly carved ice.
The construction of XtraCold Icebar Amsterdam relies on a controlled environment built to maintain a constant temperature of around –10°C. The interior is recreated regularly using tons of natural ice, carved into walls, furniture, décor, and serving glasses. The bar uses insulated chambers, industrial cooling systems, and layered safety structures behind the visible ice to ensure stability and prevent melting. The result is a compact but fully immersive frozen space that blends thematic storytelling with practical engineering to recreate an Arctic-style atmosphere year-round.
The full experience lasts about 45 minutes including time in the warm lounge and roughly 20 minutes in the ice chamber
Your ticket covers thermal clothing (coat and gloves) plus three drinks: one in the lounge and two in the ice chamber
No. Drinks must be from the Icebar and are served in ice glasses; outside drinks or food are not permitted inside the ice chamber
Yes. Only guests 18 years or older are allowed, and a valid ID is required at entry
No. The icy section is limited to about 20 minutes for comfort and safety. After that you return to the warm lounge
Yes. The Icebar sits at Amstel 194–196, near the Amstel River and just a short walk from Rembrandtplein
