Organized group tour visits the Eleven Cities Monument
During the organized cycling group tour from May 12 to 18, a visit to the impressive Elfstedenmonument It Sil Heve was also on the itinerary.
Although the official Eleven Cities Cycle Route usually does not pass this bridge, the group encountered it during the stage from Dokkum to Leeuwarden — a special surprise along the route between junctions 28 and 47.
A monument full of stories
The monument, designed by artists Maree Blok and Bas Lugthart, is located on the Kanterlandse Bridge — the final bridge that skaters pass under during the Elfstedentocht on their way to the finish line in Leeuwarden. The name It Sil Heve refers to the legendary words used in 1985 to announce the first Elfstedentocht after a 22-year hiatus: “It Sil Heve!” (“It will happen!”).
The entire bridge is covered with thousands of handcrafted tiles. Each tile shows, in blue glaze, the portrait of a skater who successfully completed the tour. Since the first edition in 1909, sixteen tours have been held, with thousands of participants reaching the finish. Their faces young and old, famous and unknown — bring the rich history of the Elfstedentocht to life.
Up close, the individual portraits are clearly visible. From a distance, they blend together to form an image on the side of the bridge: a line of skaters a symbolic depiction of solidarity, perseverance, and teamwork. In this way, the bridge becomes a visual arch of honor for all who have completed the “Tour of Tours.”
A living monument
Since its unveiling in 2001, over 7,000 skaters have been immortalized on the bridge. The monument has become a beloved destination for visitors from the Netherlands and abroad including King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. After the next Elfstedentocht, the southern side of the bridge will be completed with portraits of new participants.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima visiting the Elfstedenmonument
Fancy a cycling trip through Friesland?
This journey is part of the fully organized cycling holidays from Friesland Holland Travel, the specialist in Elfstedentocht cycling tours. Curious or want to plan your own tour?
🌐 www.frieslandhollandtravel.nl
✉️ info@frieslandhollandtravel.com
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