Biting cold weather approaching the Netherlands means only one thing: the Dutch start whispering about an Elfstedentocht.
When the announcements start about freezing temperatures reaching the Netherlands the chatter starts. when that happens, stop what you were doing and listen. Hear that? That’s the sound of millions of ice skating blades being sharpened in anticipation.
Skating from Past to Present
According to skating historian and author Marnix Koolhaas, ice-skating is perhaps more rooted in Dutch culture than even the bicycle. A bold statement indeed, but it is not without foundation.
The Dutch have a special relationship with water, which does not falter even in the coldest of winters when canals, rivers and lakes across the land freeze over.
Ice-skating is one of the oldest Dutch national sports, learnt from a young age and today a sport that transcends all layers of society. Back in the thirteenth century though, the high price of iron used for making the skates meant that ice-skating was an elitist pastime.
Although there is evidence that ice-skating dates back to prehistoric times, the popularity of skating in Holland surged in the Middle Ages.
By the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, during the Little Ice Age in Europe, artists such as Rembrandt and Jan van Goyen were painting winter landscapes incorporating skating scenes, and Dutch poets like Vondel and Bredero were writing about skating.
Skating for Bacon and Beans
Nineteenth century records show skaters participating in tournaments for the prize of “spek en bonen”, quite literally racing for food. This was a way of assisting the poor without giving handouts. The winners of today’s races are usually satisfied with a medal or trophy.
The Most Famous Ice-Skating Competition
The most famous Dutch ice-skating competition is undoubtedly the Elfstedentocht. A leisure circuit for 16,000 skaters, as well as a competitive race for 300 professional speed skaters.
Covering nearly 200 kilometres skaters begin and end in the Friesian capital of Leeuwarden. In eleven Friesian towns, contestants’ cards are stamped. The reward for returning to Leeuwarden before midnight with a full set of stamps is a medal in the shape of the Maltese cross. This design is unaltered since the first organised Elfstedentocht in 1909.
Interesting Facts about the Elfstedentocht
- Crown Prince Willem-Alexander took part in the event in 1986 under the pseudonym of W.A van Buren
- The ice must be at least 15cm thick for the tour to take place
- Women participated competitively for the first time in 1985
- In 1956, no winner was declared following the disqualification of five skaters who crossed the line hand in hand, a practice banned by the organisers after shared wins in 1933 and 1940
- ‘De Hel van ’63’ is a film about the tocht in that year and well worth a watch. Currently on Netflix.
Friesland Looks to the Future
Are we likely to ever see another Elfstedentocht take place? There is a fear that the tour will (has already?) become an historical event.
The last circuit took place in 1997, only the fifteenth occurrence since 1909. Little wonder that when the go ahead is given for the tour thousands flock to Friesland to join the festivities.
Undoubtedly, potential participants will keep their fingers crossed and continue to monitor the winter weather forecast closely each year.
Over to You
Lucky enough to have witnessed an Elfstedentocht? Have you been out on the ice this winter?
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