Key facts
- Hundested, Denmark, is holding its 15th annual Sand Sculpture Festival.
- The festival's theme this year is the Middle Ages.
- Artists are creating sculptures of medieval figures and legends.
- A special sand mixture containing clay is used for durability.
- The festival is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors.
- The event runs until October 18, 2026.
The Danish town of Hundested is embracing the Middle Ages as the theme for its 15th annual Sand Sculpture Festival. Artists from across Europe and beyond are crafting intricate sculptures depicting medieval life, myths, and legends, transforming the town's beaches into a historical tableau. Organizer Christian Warrer noted the theme was inspired by local Danish stories, including one about a significant medieval market. He described the theme as a "Middle Age Temu thing," highlighting its rich visual and narrative potential for the artists.
Sculptors have a limited time to complete their creations, which must withstand the elements until mid-October. The sand used is not typical beach sand but sourced from a sand pit and mixed with clay. This composition allows the sculptures to dry and harden like stone, providing resilience against rain. Dutch sculptor Joris Kivits, who has worked with sand for over two decades, contributed "The Kings' Game," a piece inspired by the historical practice of medieval rulers playing chess together across cultural divides. The festival anticipates attracting more than 60,000 visitors before concluding on October 18, 2026.