Just outside the moat of the fortified town of Elburg lies the mystifying Zandverhalen, which boasts one of the largest sand sculpture exhibits in the world. Housed in a sprawling warehouse, the exhibit features sculptures crafted from over 4,000 cubic meters of sand. These intricate creations depict a range of biblical stories and scenes inspired by world philosophies juxtaposed with the local fishing culture. The scale of the sculptures, their meticulous detail, and their towering heights (some are over eight meters tall) are awe-inspiring.
The museum also incorporates a curious array of other elements: ancient olive trees, salvaged doors, and architectural artifacts from around the world are integrated into the sand scenes. Perhaps most intriguingly, it showcases remnants of local shipwrecks—dredged from the surrounding area during the creation of the Flevopolder (the largest artificial island in the world)—adding a unique historical dimension. You can also spot vestiges of the building’s past as a printing press, with exhibit labels created using letterpress blocks.
At the end of your visit, you can enjoy a coffee in a Bedouin tent or relax inside a giant ceramic pot lined with cushions. This museum embodies a singular, eccentric vision paired with remarkable craftsmanship, making for a truly unique experience.
