Ice skating in Northeast Friesland
Friesland and ice skating are inextricably linked. Of course, because of our famous Elfstedentocht, but also thanks to the well-known Frisian "doorloper" skate. On this page, you'll find everything about ice skating in Northeast Friesland.
On the ice this winter
Want to know where it’s safe to trade your shoes for skates? On the website schaatsen.nl, you’ll find an overview of all natural ice rinks in the Netherlands. And on the Friesche IJsbond website, you’ll be kept up to date throughout the winter on the condition of the frozen waters in Friesland.
Discover the Friesche IJsbond
“ it giet oan ”
Those were the words spoken when the Elfstedentocht was finally able to take place in 1997.
Discover the ice rinks and clubs in Northeast Friesland
Skating tips and facts
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de ryptsjerksterpolder
de ryptsjerksterpolder
You may have heard of the Ryptsjerksterpolder. It is often one of the first places in the Netherlands where skating is possible. Just a few cold days are enough here to safely get on the ice. Because of the thin layer of water, the polders freeze over quickly.
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The last Elfstedentocht
The last Elfstedentocht
The last time a chairman of the Elfstedentocht spoke the words "it giet oan" was 25 years ago. Watch the highlights of the 1997 classic, featuring the Bartlehiem bridge, the “klunen” (skating over land), the marching band, the winners, and those who dropped out, all can be seen here.
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did you know?
did you know?
that Dokkum is the traditional turning point of the official Elfstedentocht?
The skaters turn back toward Leeuwarden from the heart of Dokkum, on the waters of the Zijl, after getting their stamp. This spot in Dokkum is called the turning point of the Elfstedentocht. If you visit the Zijl, take a look at the benches placed on the shore. The two benches are shaped like Frisian “doorlopers” skates. The tips of the skates point in the direction the skaters take.
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Take a moment to reflect
Take a moment to reflect
Are you touring through Northeast Friesland? Make a stop at Gytsjerk. There you'll find the Elfstedentocht monument ‘It Sil Heve’, designed and created by visual artists Maree Blok and Bas Lugthart. It’s a popular spot for taking photos. A small parking lot is available.
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the famous bartlehiem
the famous bartlehiem
The famous wooden Elfstedentocht bridge is in Bartlehiem! Bartlehiem has no city rights, it’s not even a village, yet this hamlet is a world-famous spot on the Elfstedentocht route. During the last Elfstedentocht, the bridge was completely packed with celebrating spectators, marching bands, and TV crews, it almost seemed like the center of the world.
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Marathonriders
Marathonriders
On the water near Earnewâld, opposite the harbor, you can see three marathon skaters made of corten steel. These gentlemen have all won the skating marathon 'De 100 van Earnewâld' at least once in recent decades.
