The Charming Ice Festival in Asker: Explore Norway's Frozen Heritage

The Ice Festival in Asker: A Tradition Remembered

Every year in March, the region of Asker, Norway, comes alive with the vibrant celebration of the Ice Festival. This festival serves as a reminder of the once-thriving ice production industry that was prevalent in Asker and Røyken until the 1950s. The tradition of ice production started in the 1850s when the first farmer began producing ice, and it reached its golden age between 1870 and 1914.

To meet the demand for ice, numerous lakes were dammed, and ice houses were built to store the harvested ice until the summer months. Although being an ice cutter was physically challenging, it was a well-paid occupation. These ice cutters could only harvest the ice from each lake or pond once per season, occasionally twice during an exceptionally cold winter. The ice was then transported to the Oslofjord, from where it was shipped to destinations all around Europe.

However, the introduction of refrigerators and freezers in private homes led to a decline in the ice production business. The last time ice was produced in this traditional manner was in 1970, mainly for sale to fishermen and camping tourists. To commemorate this significant part of Asker's history, the Asker Museum now organizes the Ice Festival every March.

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The Ice Harvesting Competition: A Test of Strength

A highlight of the Ice Festival is the ice harvesting competition. Four teams participate in this exciting event: the reigning champions "Askergutter," "Iskompani Isachsen," the Museum team, and newcomer "Unitronic." The objective is to be the first team to harvest twelve blocks of ice, each approximately 60x60x60 cm in size.

Before the competition begins, the Mayor of Asker, Lene Conradi, delivers a speech to kickstart the festivities. Then, armed with an ax, the teams must create a hole in the solid ice, an arduous task considering the ice thickness of around 60 cm. Once the hole is prepared, the teams commence sawing. To expedite the competition, a second pre-cut hole allows two people to saw simultaneously.

This endeavor demands substantial physical effort as the teams push the saw through the ice. In the old days, ice cutters would saw for up to ten hours a day. The first team to celebrate the completion of their twelfth ice block emerges victorious. Each block weighs approximately 120 kg, further highlighting the physical prowess required in this competition. In the most recent Ice Festival, the reigning champions "Askergutter" claimed the title once again, with the Museum team securing second place, "Iskompani Isachsen" coming in third, and newcomer "Unitronic" in last place.

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Experience the Ice Festival: Soak in the Atmosphere

Aside from the exhilarating ice harvesting competition, the Ice Festival offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Brave individuals can even participate in ice bathing, plunging into the lake's freezing waters that hover around 0 to 1 degree Celsius. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, visitors can try their hand at ice sawing or explore the ice carousel, a whimsical creation made entirely of ice.

Furthermore, festival-goers can try out the "Spark," a unique mode of transportation that combines a sled and a kick scooter. The Spark was traditionally used by Norwegians to navigate the snowy terrain during the winter months. Unfortunately, warmer winters and excessive gritting in the Oslo region have made it challenging to utilize the Spark effectively.

Plan Your Visit to the Ice Festival

If you're captivated by the Ice Festival and wish to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration, mark your calendars for the second Saturday in March, when the festival usually takes place. For the most up-to-date information and details, visit the Asker Museum's website, which provides event dates and participation information. To reach the festival location at Dikemark, take the train to Asker and then hop on bus 280 bound for Dikemark.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this remarkable festival that pays homage to Asker's icy past. Like and subscribe to our channel for more fascinating content, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional bonus material.

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