ICE SKATING IN FRIESLAND.
FROM THIALF TO A RINK IN HÚNS.
Friesland, with its vast lakes and canals, is inextricably linked to skating. When winter approaches and the temperature drops, the Frisian dream is reignited: skating on natural ice.
THE ELEVEN CITY TOUR
The Elfstedentocht is a legendary skating competition. This epic tour takes you past eleven historic Frisian cities, including Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, and Dokkum. The tour covers a distance of almost 200 kilometers and is only held when ice conditions permit, which means that the ice must be at least 15 centimeters thick.
Since the first official Elfstedentocht in 1909, the tour has grown into a national phenomenon. Millions of Dutch people follow the race on television or along the course, cheering for the thousands of participants who battle the elements. The last official Elfstedentocht was held in 1997, and every year since then people have hoped for a cold winter to make the tour possible.
FIRST FRISIAN ICE SKATING MUSEUM
27 minutes from Húns.
The picturesque town of Hindeloopen is home to the First Frisian Ice Skating Museum, a treasure trove of ice skating history. The museum was founded by Piet Klein and houses an impressive collection of more than 6,000 pairs of ice skates, ranging from antique wooden ice skates to modern clap ice skates. In addition, the museum offers an extensive collection of attributes, such as Elfstedentocht crosses, photos, and documents that bring the rich history of ice skating in Friesland to life.
Visitors can learn about the evolution of ice skating, the technique of skating on natural ice, and the stories of heroes and heroines who made history on the ice. The First Frisian Ice Skating Museum is a must-see for every ice skating enthusiast and offers an in-depth insight into the meaning of ice skating for the Frisian community.
https://schaatsmuseum.nl/
0514-521683
Kleine Weide 1-3 in Hindeloopen
COMPETITIONS ON NATURAL ICE
When frost sets in, the Frisian natural ice championships come to life, with iconic competitions on natural ice in places such as Nijelamer and Burgum. These competitions attract both professional skaters and enthusiastic amateurs who want to test their skills on the rough, unpredictable natural ice.
In Nijelamer - 32 minutes from Húns - the Open Frisian Championships on natural ice are organized annually, an event that attracts skaters from far and wide. It offers a unique challenge due to the variable ice conditions that depend on the whims of nature.
Burgum, with its idyllic location on the Burgumer Mar, is another popular location for natural ice competitions. 23 minutes from Húns, tours and competitions are regularly held here as soon as the ice is thick enough.
THIALF
28 minutes from Húns
Thialf in Heerenveen is a mecca for skaters who want to train all year round. Thialf, often affectionately referred to as the "Temple of Skating", is a world-class indoor ice rink that hosts national and international competitions. The complex opened in 1967 and has since served as a stage for world records and championships many times.
Thialf is not only the home of the Dutch top skaters, but also a place where young talent is discovered and trained. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and an ice climate that is perfect for both short and long track skating. It is a place where sport and science come together, with advanced techniques and training that contribute to the development of the sport. For visitors, Thialf is an inspiring place to experience the excitement of top sport and admire the history of skating.
0513-637700
Pim Mulierlaan 1 in Heerenveen
ELFSTEDENHAL
11 minutes from Húns
The Elfstedenhal, a modern ice rink that opened in 2015, is located in the capital of Friesland, Leeuwarden. The Elfstedenhal offers a wide range of skating options, from recreational skating to training and competitions. The track is named after the famous Elfstedentocht and thus honors the rich skating tradition of the province.
The Elfstedenhal was designed with sustainability and user-friendliness in mind. The complex has a 400-meter track and an ice hockey hall, making it suitable for various skating disciplines. The hall also offers facilities for curling and short track. For both locals and tourists, the Elfstedenhal is an accessible and attractive place to skate and enjoy the winter fun.
058–2135555
Fryslânplein 1 in Leeuwarden
HÚNS
0 minutes from our holiday home
With a little frost and a little luck, the kaats field of the village of Húns will be transformed into an idyllic and intimate skating rink. As soon as it starts to freeze, the villagers pump water onto the field. And after a few nights of frost, the irons are tied down.
Book our holiday home in Friesland. For a quiet and wonderful Christmas holiday. And who knows, you might slide straight from the front door onto the slippery ice.
