From Canals to Medals: Embracing Dutch Winter Skating

Once temperatures start to drop in the Netherlands, the Dutch feel an unmistakable “itch in their legs”—an urge to head for frozen waters and strap on their skates. Skating has been a traditional winter pastime, once serving as a means of transportation across lakes and canals in the cold season and today bringing enjoyment through both sports and recreation.

Natural Ice Skating in the Netherlands

Natural ice skating is possible from December to February, when it’s cold enough for shallow waters, lakes, and canals to freeze over. In some areas, farmers even flood their fields to create skating surfaces. It’s essential to check the weather forecast and warnings to ensure the ice is thick enough to support skaters safely—aiming for a minimum of 15 cm thickness for large gatherings.

The Dutch Skating Legacy

The Dutch are renowned for their exceptional speed skating and short-track skills. Speed skating can be divided into two main types: marathon and all-round skating. At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Dutch skaters won an impressive 17 medals—8 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze. Some of the most celebrated athletes include Ireen Wüst, Irene Schouten, Thomas Krol, and Kjeld Nuis, all household names in the Netherlands. In short-track, Suzanne Schulting earned 2 golds, 1 silver, and a bronze. The Netherlands even claimed an Olympic medal in Skeleton, thanks to Kimberley Bos.

The Legendary Elfstedentocht

Among the most cherished events in Dutch skating history is the Elfstedentocht, a marathon skating event covering 200 km. Known as the De Tocht der Tochten or “Tour of Tours,” it’s the ultimate Dutch skating challenge and is both a race and a leisure tour (for members only).

It Giet Oan!

First organized in 1909, the Elfstedentocht has been held 15 times, with the last occurring in 1997. The event starts and ends in the Frisian capital of Leeuwarden, and its mystical quality is unmatched in the Netherlands. However, for the race to happen, the entire route’s natural ice must be at least 15 cm thick. When it is, the famous Frisian words “It giet oan!” signal the event’s start, igniting excitement across the nation.

Tialf, Friesland & the Alternative Elfstedentocht

Due to inconsistent natural ice conditions in recent years, an alternative Elfstedentocht takes place in January on the Weissensee lake in Austria. For regular all-round skating, the Netherlands offers rinks across the country, with the national rink, Tialf, located in Heerenveen. Other popular rinks can be found in cities like Alkmaar, Enschede, Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Hoorn, Tilburg, Utrecht, and The Hague.

City Ice Rinks

In winter, temporary city ice rinks pop up in urban centers. One of the most famous is Ice* Amsterdam on Museumplein, open until early February and perfect for a festive outing with friends and family.

Canal Skating

Skating on Amsterdam’s frozen canals is an iconic winter activity, though it doesn’t happen every year. To ensure the ice is safe, temperatures must stay well below zero for four consecutive days.

Figure Skating and Ice Hockey

While the Netherlands has limited international fame in figure skating and ice hockey, the older generation may recall figure skating champions like Sjoukje Dijkstra and Joan Haanappel. However, speed skating remains the country’s dominant winter sport.

Koek & Zopie: The Winter Snack Tradition

Once the Dutch hit the ice, they want koek & zopie—a classic combination of warm drinks like Chocomel or glühwein paired with a cookie, sold along the frozen canals to keep skaters energized.

Get Involved in Skating!

Whether you’re lacing up your own skates or just watching, experiencing Dutch winter skating is a true cultural delight. For extra tips on skating safety and technique, consider hiring a private tutor with Flowently to help guide you on the best spots and traditions. Check our website for a special Winter offer!