A Dictionary of Dutchness

Elfstedentocht

The Elfstedentocht (11 city tour) is a gruelling 200 kilometre ice skating race around the 11 cities of Friesland and attracts 15,000 amateur skaters as well as pros. But the last time the race took place was in 1997. Every year, if it freezes for more than a few days, speculation begins about the chances of the great event taking place. Non-skaters can follow the route by car, bike, on foot or on horseback.