Quick Info
Location: 17 miles west of Boulder via Highway 119. Elevation: 8,230 feet. Known for: Frozen Dead Guy Days festival, quirky character, gateway to Peak-to-Peak Highway. Vibe: Old-school mountain town, deliberately un-gentrified.
Nederland is Boulder's weird mountain cousin. This small town at the top of Boulder Canyon has resisted the polish that's transformed other Colorado mountain communities. The result is a refreshingly authentic place - a bit rough around the edges, proudly eccentric, and home to people who genuinely chose this lifestyle over conventional options.
The town anchors the southern end of the Peak-to-Peak Highway and serves as a staging point for outdoor adventures. But even without the surrounding wilderness, Nederland is worth visiting for its coffee shops, live music scene, and the famous Carousel of Happiness - a hand-carved merry-go-round that captures the town's whimsical spirit.
The Town
"Ned," as locals call it, consists of a short main street and a handful of side roads. The downtown - if you can call it that - includes a few restaurants, bars, a legendary coffee shop, and the kind of eclectic shops you'd expect in a mountain hippie town. There are no chain stores, no traffic lights, and no pretense.
New Moon Bakery & Cafe is the town's gathering place. The coffee is good, the baked goods are excellent, and the vibe is pure mountain community. This is where locals catch up on news and visitors realize they've found something special.
Carousel of Happiness is a hand-carved wooden carousel that took 26 years to build. It sounds kitschy but delivers genuine joy - the craftsmanship is remarkable, and the experience is unexpectedly moving. Adults ride it as often as kids.
The Pioneer Inn is the town's main bar and music venue, hosting live bands that draw crowds from Boulder and beyond. The building is weathered, the drinks are strong, and the music scene is more legitimate than you'd expect from a town of 1,500 people.
Frozen Dead Guy Days
Nederland's claim to fame is Frozen Dead Guy Days, a festival honoring Bredo Morstoel - a Norwegian man whose body has been cryogenically preserved in a shed above town since the 1990s. The festival (held in March) has grown into a major event featuring coffin races, frozen t-shirt contests, a polar plunge, and general weirdness that perfectly captures Nederland's spirit.
The backstory is genuinely bizarre: A family attempted cryogenic preservation, local authorities discovered the body, and after considerable debate, the town decided to keep Bredo frozen. The festival celebrates this absurdity with enthusiasm and good humor.
If you can't make the festival, you can still visit Tuff Shed (the actual storage location) or stop by the local museum for the full story. It's the kind of thing that only happens in places like Nederland.
Outdoor Access
Nederland sits at the intersection of Boulder Canyon (Highway 119) and the Peak-to-Peak Highway (Highway 72), making it a natural staging point for outdoor adventures.
Hessie Trailhead accesses some of the best hiking in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Trails lead to alpine lakes, waterfalls, and high peaks. The trailhead is a few miles from town and can be reached by a free summer shuttle or by parking and walking (the road to the trailhead is rough).
Eldora Mountain Resort is the closest ski area to Boulder, about 4 miles from Nederland. It's smaller than Summit County resorts but offers solid skiing with no I-70 traffic. Locals love it for exactly that reason.
Barker Reservoir sits at the edge of town, offering easy walking, fishing, and mountain views. It's a pleasant stroll from downtown after coffee.
Visitor Tips
Winter requires preparation. At 8,200 feet, Nederland gets real snow. The drive up Boulder Canyon can be icy. Check conditions and carry chains or drive something appropriate.
Cash helps. Some Nederland businesses still prefer cash. ATMs are available but bringing bills simplifies things.
Plan for altitude. You're nearly 3,000 feet higher than Boulder. Take it easy, drink water, and maybe skip the second beer.
Embrace the vibe. Nederland doesn't try to be cute or boutique. It's authentically rough and proudly weird. That's the point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get to Nederland from Boulder?
About 30 minutes via Highway 119 through Boulder Canyon. The road is scenic but winding. Add time for stops at Boulder Falls or other canyon attractions.
Is the Frozen Dead Guy actually there?
Yes. Bredo Morstoel remains cryogenically preserved in a Tuff Shed above town, packed in dry ice. A caretaker maintains the conditions year-round.
Is Nederland worth visiting outside of Frozen Dead Guy Days?
Yes. The town has year-round character, good coffee, access to outdoor activities, and a vibe you won't find elsewhere. The festival is great but not the only reason to visit.
Can I combine Nederland with Peak-to-Peak Highway?
Yes, Nederland is the natural starting point. Drive up from Boulder, stop for coffee, then continue north on Highway 72 toward Estes Park. It's a full day of excellent mountain driving.