XtraCold Icebar Amsterdam: Fast Track Ticket Review 2025
Okay, so you’re checking out Amsterdam and that XtraCold Icebar probably popped up on your radar. Seems like quite the place, right? This thing we call a review gives you the lowdown on what to anticipate with the “Fast Track” ticket. It helps in deciding whether it’s seriously worth grabbing, particularly thinking about those potential crowds and all that in 2025. Basically, is it more icy fun or overpriced tourist trap? Let’s find out.
What is the XtraCold Icebar Experience?
What happens there then? Well, it is actually more or less what you would think. A bar, almost totally crafted out of ice! We are talking walls, seats, even the glasses! The whole place runs somewhere around -10°C (14°F), quite a contrast especially if you visit during Amsterdam’s warmer months. It sounds intense but don’t stress, coats and gloves seem to be part of the deal upon arrival.
This bar is, it looks like, more than just a block of ice; apparently, there is a theme. The XtraCold Icebar has this design based on the story of Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz and his crew, who became stuck on Novaya Zemlya, more or less way back in the 16th century. This theme aims to give visitors some glimpse into just what those sailors may well have felt dealing with crazy cold situations. Very interesting right?
Breaking Down the Fast Track Ticket
All the nitty gritty stuff you actually care about now: what exactly are you seriously gaining with this “Fast Track” ticket thingy? You know how touristy spots sometimes have long lines, right? This ticket gets you past them (apparently). You likely walk right in as those poor folks stand outside waiting.
The ticket normally has entry to the Icebar and typically, but seemingly, includes a few drinks. Often you will find the first drink, so very probably a welcome beer or cocktail, seems to be inside the “warm” front bar section, then others after you get inside the frozen area. Essentially this ticket offers, or seems to offer, convenience and, likely, faster access, helping you sidestep some of that wait time that everyone hates.
Is Fast Track Worth It in 2025? Consider These Factors
So, is skipping those long queues actually worth paying extra in 2025? In the end, the answer depends upon how you feel with queues and the timing of your trip. Consider that time of year: Amsterdam during the warmer part of the year or around holidays basically attracts lots of tourists. Very likely that means those queues can get wild! During less busy periods (think weekdays in the off-season), it can happen the lines will probably be more manageable. Thus, so there’s less “need” for a fast-track thingy.
How you feel about queues is also a serious question here! Do queues make you go bananas? Saving time is seemingly a bigger priority if they do. Okay then that’s cool, the Fast Track sounds amazing! Maybe lines barely bother you; then probably just pocket that extra cash.
What to Expect Inside the Icebar
What exactly does the Icebar look like from the inside anyway? Everything usually stays iced up, they keep it freezing for the full effect, so you may find you want to snuggle inside the provided coat. You get to check out ice sculptured decor linked somehow to that old Willem Barentsz story, so probably interesting photos.
The drinks that they serve, seem to be the regular offerings, although often it appears, in smaller glasses made of ice! Usually people don’t hang inside for longer than say 45 minutes, more or less just enough time to have a look and appreciate everything without becoming fully frozen solid. Still bring that phone fully charged up, to make sure to snap photos that don’t let you down, but also make sure to put it in a pocket where it’s warmer if you feel the battery going low!
Making the Most of Your Icebar Visit
To make your Icebar visit memorable, it could be that the timing is important. Very likely, visiting off-peak, especially during weekday times, likely creates a less jam-packed atmosphere and could offer that more intimate, awesome feeling, or seem to anyway. Definitely bundle that with similar tourist stops nearby to use the time you are already spending traveling, like explore nearby Rembrandtplein square.
About photos: bear in mind it’s dim light. So use a good night mode. Perhaps you might consider actually bringing one of those lightweight glove things that allow you to function phone touchscreens! Ultimately it just keeps your hands warmer for just a little longer!
Read our full review: XtraCold Icebar Amsterdam Full Review and Details
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