Hitzefrei Eiskreationen

In the location's words:

You don't play with food... you do with ice cream.

And HOW the guys from Hitzefrei ice creations play with ice! So very skillful! We would like to say that every flavor is a hit. Whether you're a chocolate lover, fruit worshipper, ice cream freak or classic ice cream connoisseur, you're sure to find more than just a new favorite flavor.

Philip and Shahab opened Hitzefrei Eiskreationen in the Kreuzviertel district in February 2017, and we think it's pretty snazzy there, because in addition to the super relaxed atmosphere, the purist design of the store including playful details and the best-humored ice cream service, you get damn good ice cream there. And that's not by chance, but from a long-lived passion for ice cream and its culture.

Philip and Shahab met while studying industrial engineering at the Technical University of Dortmund. And fellow students became buddies. Later, Shahab changed majors and Philip entered the professional world of a large corporation. But that wasn't the real thing, so they went on a trip around the world: to get inspired and discover new things. In countries like Colombia and Argentina, he encountered a vibrant ice cream culture - no comparison to many stale ice cream parlors in Germany that are stuck in the 1980s or 90s. A stagnation that had already annoyed him and Shahab in their student days. Yet ice cream is such a great product that should be given an appropriate setting. Back in Germany, Philip sat down with Shahab and they worked out heat-free ice cream creations together with partners, friends and family.

Ice cream is good for you. They have been integrating this aspect into their concepts ever since. They make sure to source many of their products from the region and work with local partners: For example, the milk comes from Waltrop from farmer Billmann. The coffee comes from Neues Schwarz from the Saarlandstraßenviertel (also one of our favorite places!) and is roasted in Dortmund. Strawberries, raspberries and apples come from the Mertin farm. In addition, much of their packaging is 100 percent organic and recyclable. In general, many of the products used are not only organic, but also fairtrade - like the Mexican vanilla.

The Hitzefrei ice cream creations are just huge fun for us. The guys are not only constantly conjuring up new flavors for the ice cream counter, but are also constantly improving their own recipes - and "a pinch of craziness" is not to be missed. Then they fiddle with the grind of the vanilla bean until they tease out an even finer aroma. And indeed: Hitzefreis"Mexican Vanilla" is a hit and a MUST for all classic ice cream lovers. We also can't resist Raspberry Mint, Dortmunder Apple and Mint Chocolate Chips. On our most recent visit, Tonca Bean and Currant convinced us the most. Wonderfully good!

But the guys have also learned their trade at the ice cream school in Werl. They produce their ice-cold delicacies in their own manufactory. There, fruits are pureed, chocolate chopped, pistachios roasted and tonka beans ground. The finest craftsmanship and a lot of heart and soul go into Hitzefrei ice cream creations - and you can taste it.

That the two have chosen the right path is also evident from the fact that Hitzefrei is expanding: Not only that they supply numerous local cafés and supermarkets (you can find an overview here). After the branch in the Kreuzviertel, there is now also one in the city center on Kleppingstraße (in the store of a former competitor) as well as in the Dortmund district of Holzen.

The new location on Kleppingstraße is ideal for making a small, refreshing pit stop while shopping. Since it offers enough space, you can sit down here, take a short rest, lick your favorite flavor and soak up the city feeling as a spectator. Unlike the other stores, this one is therefore supposed to be open all year round. In general, all the stores have the unmistakable Hitzefrei charm: they are bright and colorful - and immediately recognizable by the characteristic dots that resemble ice cream scoops. Really a round thing!

Hitzefrei goes Ruhrpott
You can find more stores here:
Wasserstraße 6, 59423 Unna - Opening hours: Mon. - Sat: 12 - 18:30 h / Sun.: 13 - 18.30 h
Rüttenscheider Str. 38, 45128 Essen - Opening hours: Mon. - Wed.: 12 - 8 p.m. / Thurs. - Sat: 12 - 21 h / Sun. & holidays: 13 - 20 h