Traditionally an ice-skating race held in the northern province of Friesland, it covers nearly 200 kilometers across frozen canals, rivers, and lakes, linking eleven historic Frisian cities. Because winters cold enough to freeze the entire route have become rare, cyclists have found a way to keep the tradition alive — by riding the same route in summer.
For visitors, cycling the Elfstedentocht offers a perfect way to combine history, culture, and active travel. The route is mostly flat, well-marked, and takes you through some of the Netherlands’ most charming towns, open countryside, and windmill-dotted landscapes.
Starting in Leeuwarden
Your journey begins in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland and the official starting point of the Elfstedentocht. Take time to explore this lively city, with its leaning Oldehove tower, canalside cafés, and museums.
Pick up a route map or download the GPS track — there are plenty of bike rental shops offering touring and e-bikes, making the route accessible for all fitness levels.
The Eleven Cities
From Leeuwarden, the route loops through the following eleven Frisian cities: Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum, and finally back to Leeuwarden. Each stop has its own character:
- Sneek is famous for its Waterpoort gate and sailing culture.
- IJlst charms with its wooden bridges and waterside gardens.
- Sloten is a tiny fortified town with just a few streets — one of the most picturesque stops on the route.
- Hindeloopen is known for its painted wooden houses and traditional costumes.
- Harlingen is a harbor town where you can watch ferries depart for the Frisian Islands.
- Dokkum is the northernmost city, with historic windmills and an inviting town center.
A Cyclist-Friendly Adventure
The entire route is around 235 kilometers if ridden in one go, but most cyclists choose to break it into two or three days. Dedicated cyclists can complete it in a single day during the organized Fietselfstedentocht event in late spring, which attracts thousands of participants.
For a more leisurely experience, spread the ride over multiple days and spend the night in Frisian guesthouses or historic hotels. This slower pace allows you to explore museums, visit small harbors, and linger over lunch in town squares.
Scenic Highlights
One of the joys of cycling the Elfstedentocht is the diversity of the landscape. You’ll ride along canals, cross low bridges, pass meadows full of grazing cows, and pedal through historic centers with cobbled streets.
The route is mostly traffic-free or on quiet rural roads, making it safe and relaxing. In summer, the fields are bright with wildflowers, and you’ll often share the road with other cyclists on their own personal “race.”
Food and Drink Stops
Friesland is famous for its hearty local cuisine — perfect for hungry cyclists. Try suikerbrood (sweet sugar bread), oranjekoek (spiced cake with pink icing), or order a plate of Frisian cheese and cured sausage at a local café.
In Harlingen or Stavoren, enjoy fresh seafood while looking out over the harbor. Coffee breaks are easy to find, as nearly every village has a terrace café where you can relax and watch boats pass by.
Combining Culture and Cycling
Cycling the Elfstedentocht isn’t just a ride — it’s a cultural experience. You’ll pass monuments to skating heroes, learn about the history of the event in small museums, and hear stories from locals who remember the last great race of 1997.
Many cycling tours in Holland include the Elfstedentocht as a highlight of a Friesland itinerary, pairing it with other northern routes or even combining it with the Wadden Sea islands. For visitors seeking a guided experience, joining a bike tour focused on the Eleven Cities lets you focus on the ride while luggage is transferred to each overnight stop.
Best Time to Ride
Late spring through early autumn is ideal, with May and June offering long daylight hours and mild weather. The official Fietselfstedentocht ride takes place on Whit Monday, but the route can be ridden independently at any time during the cycling season.
Autumn offers quieter roads and golden fields, while summer brings a festive atmosphere and plenty of other riders to share the route.
Practical Tips
Bring a good map or GPS, as while the route is well-marked, it’s easy to get distracted by charming side streets. Pack rain gear — Friesland weather can change quickly.
If you’re doing the ride over multiple days, book accommodation early, especially during popular weekends when many Dutch cyclists are also on the route. E-bikes are widely available and a great choice for those who want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about fatigue.
A Living Dutch Tradition
Riding the Elfstedentocht in summer is more than a cycling trip — it’s a way to take part in a beloved Dutch tradition. You’ll follow the same path that skaters have raced for over a century, connect with locals, and see a side of the Netherlands that most visitors miss.
Whether you ride the entire loop in a single day or take a relaxed multi-day approach, this journey through Friesland’s eleven cities will leave you with lasting memories of windmills, waterways, and the unique spirit of the Dutch cycling culture.
