Route
An ice skating tour along 11 cities in Friesland
The Elfstedentocht runs through a route of almost 200 kilometres through the province, start and finish at the Frisian capital Leeuwarden. The tour takes participants from Leeuwarden to the towns of Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum and across the Bonkefeart (canal) back to Leeuwarden.
Through beautiful Frisian countryside
The route runs through beautiful countryside, over the Frisian lakes, and naturally along and through the 11 Frisian cities. The Elfstedentocht is a sports challenge and a chance to experience Friesland's rich culture and history. Skaters pass lakes, ditches, polders and meadows. In some places where the ice is impassable the skaters pass with a method called klûnen, a short walk on skates. Klûnen, is common near bridges, as the ice is often thinner in these areas.
