Elfstedentocht explained: inside the Dutch Eleven Cities ice race

Every winter in the Netherlands, one singular race slips back into the national conversation. It’s the Elfstedentocht, a marathon that hasn’t been held in nearly thirty years because it relies on rare, perfect weather: a proper deep freeze. Even so, the Dutch keep the faith that one day the ice will be strong enough and the race will return.

What kind of race is it?

Elfstedentocht translates as the Eleven Cities Tour. It spans almost 200 kilometers along frozen canals and rivers in the northern province of Friesland. Skaters start and finish in Leeuwarden, passing through ten other cities along the way.

The event brings together elite athletes and everyday enthusiasts. But even solid preparation and a start permit aren’t enough. The real decider is whether winter cooperates.

Why is it held so rarely?

To stage the Elfstedentocht, the ice has to be thick—at least 15 centimeters across the entire route. That kind of cover doesn’t appear every winter. Since 1909, the race has taken place only 15 times, most recently in 1997.

With today’s milder winters, the right conditions are scarce. Even a few days of frost may not be enough to seal the full course.

Climate gets in the way, hope lingers

Each passing year makes the wait more intense. Winters in the Netherlands aren’t as cold as they used to be, and in recent decades the necessary weather has been rare.

Still, organizers are not giving up. The official Elfstedentocht website outlines the route and the race’s history, and the association in charge tracks the weather every year. If a truly cold spell arrives, the start would be announced in advance, and the whole country would tune in again.

Why does it matter so much to the Netherlands?

For the Dutch, the Elfstedentocht is more than a skating race; it’s a national moment. When the ice is deemed ready and the event is called, the country pauses. People take days off, schools close, and audiences follow the skaters on television. Along the route, thousands of supporters hand out hot drinks and turn the course into a celebration.

The most memorable editions

The race’s history is full of vivid chapters. In 1963, brutal cold and strong winds forced almost everyone to quit: of 10,000 participants, only 69 reached the finish. That edition is still remembered as the Hellish Race. By contrast, 1985 was calm, and thousands made it home without trouble. Moments like these are what make the event legendary.

What comes next?

It’s hard to say if the Elfstedentocht will roll out over ice again. Scientists and meteorologists note that winters as frigid as in the past are becoming rarer. Even so, organizers and thousands of fans still hold out hope that the weather will offer a window, the ice will set firm—and the country will finally hear the announcement that the race will take place.