Eiswelt Oberhausen: A -8 Grad Abenteuer! My Frozen Fun (and a Few Lessons Learned)
Okay, so, Eiswelt Oberhausen. You guys, I had to visit. I'm a total sucker for anything wintery, even when it's, like, July. And -8 degrees? Challenge accepted! This post is all about my experience at Eiswelt Oberhausen, with some tips that'll make your visit totally awesome.
My First (and slightly embarrassing) attempt
My first trip to Eiswelt Oberhausen was…a learning experience. Let's just say I wasn't fully prepared. I mean, -8 degrees is COLD. I rocked up in a thin jacket, thinking, "Eh, I'll be fine!" Wrong. So wrong. I spent most of the time shivering like a chihuahua in a snowstorm. I looked like a popsicle after about 20 minutes.
I legit regretted my fashion choices within five minutes. I was freezing. I barely even enjoyed the ice sculptures – too busy trying not to develop hypothermia. It was a total fail.
Lesson #1: Dress for the Arctic, Seriously!
This time, I was ready. Layers, people, layers! Think thermal underwear (yeah, I know, sounds dorky, but trust me), a warm sweater, a thick coat, scarf, gloves, and a hat that covers your ears. Seriously, you cannot overdress for this place. Think you're overdressed? Add another layer. Even if you are in Germany during the summer, don't think you can get away with a light jacket. You can't.
And don't forget sturdy waterproof boots! The floor can get a little wet. Believe me. I learned that the hard way, too.
The Ice Sculptures: Breathtaking!
The ice sculptures themselves are incredible. They're absolutely massive and intricately detailed. There are so many different themes, from fantasy scenes to famous landmarks. I spent ages just wandering around and taking pictures. I even managed a few decent ones, instead of just blurry photos of my freezing hands. This is why I recommend getting a professional photographer for the trip.
My personal favorite? The huge dragon made entirely of ice. It was seriously impressive! It totally made up for my previous freezing-cold experience. This year's theme (check their website for updates!) is equally stunning.
Beyond the Ice: Hot Chocolate is Your Best Friend
Let's be honest, you're going to need something warm to drink. Eiswelt Oberhausen has a cafe, and their hot chocolate is the best way to warm up. Trust me; it's rich, creamy, and perfectly warming after spending time in sub-zero temperatures. You'll want a few cups.
They also offer other food and drinks, but the hot chocolate is my personal recommendation. It’s a lifesaver!
Pro-Tip: Go with Friends (or family!)
Experiencing Eiswelt Oberhausen with friends or family makes it way more fun. It’s more fun to share the experience, and someone can take some awesome photos of you. Plus, there's a shared sense of accomplishment. You know, surviving -8 degrees Celsius together!
Eiswelt Oberhausen is definitely worth a visit, especially if you have kids. It's a unique and memorable experience—as long as you're prepared! So, get your layers on and go have some frozen fun! Don't forget the hot chocolate. You'll thank me later.