The Elfstedentocht is far more than an ice-skating race. It is a national symbol. A story of cold, perseverance, togetherness, and hope. Even people who have never put on skates know exactly what is meant when someone says: “It giet oan.”

In this blog, we take a deep dive into the history, meaning, route, myths, and the reason why the Elfstedentocht is still very much alive—despite the fact that it has not been held for decades.

The eleven cities of the tour

The route traditionally passes through these eleven Frisian cities, in this order:

A tour of extremes distance and conditions

Skating nearly 200 kilometres on natural ice is demanding even under perfect conditions. During the Elfstedentocht, conditions are rarely perfect. Participants may face:

• strong headwinds
• snow on the ice
• cracks and rough surfaces
• extreme cold
• exhaustion and cramps

That is why the Elfstedentocht is not only a sporting challenge, but also a mental one. Anyone who reaches the finish has accomplished something extraordinary.

Not just for elite skaters

Although professional racers receive much of the media attention, the majority of participants are recreational skaters. Ordinary people who may have trained for months or even years, often with just one goal: to be able to say for the rest of their lives, “I skated the Elfstedentocht.”

The history of the Elfstedentocht
The beginning

The first official Elfstedentocht took place in 1909. It quickly became clear that this was no ordinary sporting event. The combination of nature, distance, and regional pride attracted massive attention. Friesland took centre stage, but the whole country watched.

Since then, the tour has only been held 15 times. That low number shows just how rare the right conditions truly are.

Legendary editions

Some editions are firmly etched into the collective memory:

1947 – Chaos, snowstorms, and extreme cold

1963 – The toughest edition ever, with only a handful of finishers

1985 & 1986 – Two tours in quick succession after a long absence

1997 – The most recent Elfstedentocht to date

Each edition has its own stories, heroes, and moments of hardship.

It giet oan

Three words that mean everything

Perhaps the most famous moment surrounding the Elfstedentocht is the announcement that it will go ahead. The words “It giet oan” (Frisian for “It’s on”) are legendary. They bring: nationwide excitement, spontaneous days off work, traffic jams heading towards Friesland, and a shared sense of euphoria

Even people who are not participating feel that something special is happening. The country changes, if only briefly. Life slows down. Everyone talks about the same thing.

The role of Friesland

The Elfstedentocht is deeply rooted in Frisian identity. It is not a commercial spectacle, but an event built on: volunteers, ice inspectors, stamp checkpoints, local involvement.

Thousands of Frisians dedicate themselves, unpaid and wholeheartedly, to making the tour possible. Without them, there would be no Elfstedentocht. That is why it is not an event in Friesland, but truly an event of Friesland.

Why it may never happen again

A difficult but realistic question: Will there ever be another Elfstedentocht?

Due to climate change, long and severe winters have become increasingly rare. Sustained periods of frost, day and night, without thawing, are no longer a given. The possibility still exists, but it is shrinking.

And yet, hope has never disappeared. Every winter, the ice is measured. Every cold spell sparks excitement. As long as that remains true, the Elfstedentocht lives on.

The Elfstedentocht as cultural heritage

Even without new editions, the Elfstedentocht continues to exist today through books, documentaries, school lessons, family stories and everyday expressions.

It is a story that is passed on from generation to generation. Not because it must be, but because it says something about who we are: practical, resilient, and stronger together.

More than sport

The Elfstedentocht is not just about winning. It is about:

• pushing personal limits
• dealing with adversity
• suffering together and celebrating together
• respect for nature

That is what makes it timeless. Even in a modern world driven by speed and technology, the Elfstedentocht remains an anchor point—a reminder of simplicity, cold, and character.

In conclusion

Maybe it will never happen again. Maybe it will happen tomorrow. No one knows. And that uncertainty is exactly what makes the Elfstedentocht so special. As long as water can freeze and people can dream, it will continue to exist.

Not as a fixed event on a calendar, but as an idea. A longing. A story that begins anew every winter.