Follow the legendary Elfstedentocht, the nearly 200 kilometre skating tour through Friesland’s eleven historic cities. The route begins in Leeuwarden, passes frozen canals, lakes, rivers, and checkpoint towns, reaches the northern turn at Dokkum, and returns along the Bonkefeart for the finish. The journey is built around the culture of the Tocht der Tochten: rare ice, stempelposten, regional pride, and the question the Netherlands asks whenever winter tightens its grip: it giet oan?
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Participants unlock these milestone badges during the challenge. Each milestone can trigger a personalized email with more information about the location.
The spiritual home of the Elfstedentocht and the place where every official edition begins. When conditions are finally right, the words 'It giet oan' spark excitement across the Netherlands as skaters prepare to embark on one of the most challenging endurance events in sport. Collect your first stamp and begin the journey."
Known for its famous Waterpoort gate and deep connection to water sports, Sneek is often the first major milestone for participants. The city reminds travelers that Friesland's waterways are both a source of recreation and the foundation of the legendary route.
One of the smallest of the Eleven Cities, IJlst offers a quieter glimpse into Frisian life. Historic canals and traditional shipbuilding heritage make this stop a reminder that the Elfstedentocht passes through living communities, not just sporting landmarks.
The smallest of the Eleven Cities by population, Sloten feels more like a preserved fortress than a modern city. Narrow streets, defensive walls, and centuries of history create a striking contrast to the physical challenge unfolding on the ice.
The oldest city in Friesland, Stavoren was once an important trading port on what we once called the Zuiderzee but today is known as the Ijsselmeer. Its famous legend of the Lady of Stavoren tells a cautionary tale about wealth, pride, and fortune, adding folklore to the journey.
A city known for its distinctive art, language traditions, and maritime history. Hindeloopen developed a unique cultural identity through centuries of trade and seafaring, making it one of the most distinctive stops on the route.
Workum combines Frisian charm with a rich artistic heritage. The city is associated with painter Jopie Huisman and offers a glimpse into the cultural traditions that have shaped the region beyond sport.
Bolsward is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Friesland. Its canals, churches, and merchant buildings reflect the prosperity that once flowed through the region's waterways. For many skaters, reaching Bolsward represents a significant psychological milestone.
As Friesland's major seaport, Harlingen connects the province to the Wadden Sea and the islands beyond. Often exposed to harsh winds and changing weather, it reminds participants that nature is always the true opponent in the Elfstedentocht.
Home to the Eise Eisinga Planetarium, the world's oldest working planetarium, Franeker blends scientific achievement with Frisian history. This stop celebrates curiosity, innovation, and the enduring pursuit of ambitious goals.
The northernmost city on the route serves as the final major turning point. Historically, reaching Dokkum meant participants had conquered the hardest half of the journey. One final stamp here confirms that the finish is finally within reach.
Bartlehiem is not one of the eleven cities, but it belongs in an Elfstedentocht journey because skaters pass it twice and it has become one of the route’s iconic viewing points. It is a good place to remember the 1963 Elfstedentocht, one of the most brutal sporting events ever held. Fierce winds, deep snowdrifts, and temperatures well below freezing forced most competitors to abandon the race. Only a tiny fraction reached the finish, and their determination became part of Dutch sporting legend. This milestone gives the route breathing room before the finish and lets the story turn from geography to memory, crowds, and the final push south.
The Bonkevaart canal (formerlly known as the Bonkefeart) marks the final approach to Leeuwarden and is perhaps the most emotional stretch of the entire route. After nearly 200 kilometers on the ice, participants know that the finish line is finally within sight.
Return to where the journey began and celebrate joining generations of skaters who have completed one of the Netherlands' most iconic endurance challenges. Because the Elfstedentocht can only be held when nature permits, every finisher becomes part of a rare and treasured tradition. Many Dutch people spend decades hoping to witness another official edition.
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