World’s Largest Sandcastle Completed in Denmark
Move over, Lego bricks—Denmark’s latest claim to fame is a lot grittier.
The small seaside town of Blokhus just smashed the Guinness World Record for the tallest sandcastle, and folks, this isn’t your toddler’s bucket-and-shovel project.
Standing a jaw-dropping 21.16 meters (69.4 feet) tall and made of 4,860 tonnes of sand, this behemoth is basically the Burj Khalifa of beach art.
Oh, and it’s topped with a not-so-subtle symbol of our times: a sand-sculpted coronavirus wearing a crown.
A Tower That Puts Previous Records to Shame
Let’s put this in perspective. The previous record-holder, built in Germany in 2019, stood at 17.66 meters—meaning Denmark’s new giant is over three meters taller.
That’s like stacking an entire giraffe on top of the old one. Dutch artist Wilfred Stijger, the mastermind behind the project, didn’t just aim for height, though.
He wanted to make a statement. “The coronavirus is ruling our lives everywhere,” Stijger told reporters, pointing to the spiky, crowned virus perched triumphantly atop the castle.
“It tells you what to do… Don’t go to nice places, don’t see your family. It’s the boss.”
Talk about a mood. But hey, at least the pandemic inspired something other than sourdough bread and Zoom fatigue.
Engineering Meets Art—With a Dash of Glue
So, how do you keep a 20-meter sandcastle from collapsing into a sad pile? Stijger and his team of 30 elite sand sculptors didn’t rely on wishful thinking.
They mixed 10% clay into the sand for extra stickiness and slathered the finished structure with a layer of glue.
Yes, glue. “It’s like Fort Knox, but for sand,” joked one local worker.
The adhesive helps the castle withstand Blokhus’s blustery autumn winds and freezing winters, ensuring it’ll stand until heavy frost finally takes it down—likely around February or March 2024.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a visit, maybe pack a thermos of cocoa. Denmark’s North Sea coast isn’t exactly tropical this time of year.
Local Flair Meets Global Talent
While the coronavirus crown steals headlines, the sandcastle is also a love letter to Blokhus.
Locals are buzzing about miniature replicas of their iconic beach houses, lighthouses, and even windsurfers carved into the structure.
“It’s surreal seeing our town immortalized in sand,” said Karin Møller, a Blokhus resident. “But that virus on top? Let’s hope it melts faster than the real thing.”
Stijger’s team included sculptors from India, Canada, the US, and across Europe—think of it as the Avengers, but for sand art.
Their collaboration took five weeks, with cranes and heavy machinery doing the heavy lifting (literally) for the base. The upper sections? Pure elbow grease and artistry.
Why a Sandcastle? Why Now?
In a post-lockdown world, you’ve got to wonder: Why pour resources into a temporary sand sculpture? For Blokhus, a town of under 1,000 people, the answer is simple: tourism.
Pre-pandemic, the area drew crowds for its white sands and rolling dunes. Now, Mayor Jesper Frost reckons the sandcastle could put Blokhus back on the map.
“It’s a symbol of resilience,” he said. “Plus, who doesn’t want to see a giant sand virus?”
But beyond the spectacle, the castle’s fleeting nature is part of its charm. Unlike stone monuments, this one’s here for a good time, not a long time.
“It’s a reminder that nothing lasts forever—not even pandemics,” Stijger mused.
The Science of Sand
Forget “just add water”—this project required precision.
The team sourced sand from a nearby supplier, testing grains for optimal size and shape.
Too smooth? Not gritty enough. Too coarse? Won’t stick. The final blend was hauled in by truck, compacted into wooden molds, and shaped into a pyramid-like form.
Layers were carved with everything from chisels to straws for detailing. And that glue coating? It’s environmentally friendly, so no need to panic about the local ecosystem.
A Global Effort, a Local Legacy
While the castle’s height is record-breaking, its soul is in the details.
Sculptors included nods to global myths and cultures—think mermaids, dragons, and even a nod to climate change with melting ice caps.
But for Blokhus residents, it’s the hometown touches that resonate. “Seeing our lighthouse replicated in sand—it’s magical,” said Møller.
As for Stijger, he’s already onto his next project. But he hopes the castle sparks conversations.
“Art shouldn’t just be pretty,” he said. “It should make you feel something.” Mission accomplished.
Whether it’s awe at the engineering, irritation at the virus’s crown, or a sudden urge to book a flight to Denmark, this sandcastle packs a punch.
Visit While You Can
For now, the sculpture stands defiant against the North Sea winds, its glue shield holding firm.
Visitors can stroll around the base, snapping selfies with the virus crown or admiring intricate carvings of Viking ships.
Local cafes are cashing in too, offering “sandcastle cookies” and “Corona cocktails” (the drink, thankfully).
So, is it worth the trip? If you’re into jaw-dropping art, quirky symbolism, or just really, really big piles of sand? Absolutely. Just don’t forget your mittens.
