Why 15 January is known as the day of the ‘Elfstedentocht’
Summary
15 January commemorates the first official Elfstedentocht in 1909 and marks the symbolic beginning of this iconic Dutch tradition. Today, the date serves as a day of remembrance and connection, focusing on the stories, people and cultural significance of the Elfstedentocht rather than the ice itself.
On 15 January 2026, the Fries Scheepvaart Museum will be entirely dedicated to the Day of the Elfstedentocht. During this special afternoon, sports historians, former officials and eyewitnesses will delve into the rich history of the Netherlands’ most famous skating event. But why has 15 January been designated as the Day of the Elfstedentocht?
The Origin of the Day of the Elfstedentocht
The choice of 15 January is no coincidence. On 15 January 1909, the first official Elfstedentocht was held. That day marked the beginning of a national tradition that grew into one of the greatest sporting and cultural phenomena in the Netherlands. Ever since, 15 January has been regarded as the symbolic starting point of the Elfstedentocht’s history.
As climate change has made it increasingly rare for the tour to take place, 15 January has evolved into a fixed day of remembrance and gathering. On this day, the focus is no longer on the ice itself, but on the stories, the people and the meaning of the Elfstedentocht.
Royal Connection to the Elfstedentocht
During the Day of the Elfstedentocht 2026, sports historian Jurryt van de Vooren will open the afternoon with his research into the special relationship between the Dutch Royal House and the Elfstedentocht. Among other topics, he will discuss the legendary 1986 edition, in which Crown Prince Willem-Alexander became the first member of the Royal Family to complete the Elfstedentocht.
This royal participation strengthened the event’s national status and made 1986 one of the most memorable editions in its history.
Passing on Knowledge of Natural Ice
Henk Kroes, former chairman and ice master of the Vereniging De Friesche Elf Steden, will also be present. Together with his son Sytse Kroes, he will explain how knowledge of natural ice, ice formation and safety is preserved and passed on, now that the chances of another Elfstedentocht seem increasingly slim.
Conversations, Images and Eyewitness Accounts
Presenter Sippy Tigchelaar will speak with Jan Bakker, the association’s new chairman and himself a participant in the 1997 Elfstedentocht. Visitors will also be shown unique film footage from 1956 and 1986, two editions deeply etched into the collective memory of the Netherlands.
Particularly special is the story of Berend Keulen, who between 1947 and 1997 stood at the starting line of all seven Elfstedentochten that were held. His experiences offer a rare and comprehensive view of fifty years of Elfstedentocht history.
Practical Information
The Day of the Elfstedentocht will take place on 15 January 2026 at the Fries Scheepvaart Museum.
Tickets cost €11 per person and include coffee or tea with oranjekoek and a drink afterwards. Tickets can be purchased via the Fries Scheepvaart Museum’s website.
More Than a Skating Event
The Day of the Elfstedentocht shows that the Elfstedentocht is more than a sporting event. It is a living piece of cultural heritage. That is why 15 January, the day it all began, remains a fixed date to keep the magic of the Elfstedentocht alive, even without ice.
Friesland Holland Travel
Would you like to experience an Elfstedentocht yourself? This trip is part of the complete cycling holidays offered by Friesland Holland Travel, specialists in Elfstedentocht routes by bike. Want to learn more or plan your own tour?
🌐 www.frieslandhollandtravel.nl
✉️ info@frieslandhollandtravel.com
