As soon as it starts to freeze, Holland gets overtaken by ice fever. Will we get to skate on natural ice? Will there be an Elfstedentocht (the 200 km 11 city ice marathon)? Distance skating involves a long low and seemingly effortless glide. Ice dance (kunstschatsen) is not a big sport here.

Without natural ice, and there hasn't been much since the last Elfstedentocht in 1997, we have to make do with the Jaap Edenbaan in Watergraafsmeer. The outdoor track is open from October to mid March. The indoor rink is mainly for organised events. Very busy on sunny days.

The Museumplein has a small temporary outside rink in the depths of winter and you can rent skates.

Jaap Eden Baan
Radioweg 64
website Dutch only

Skating school (intensive lessons in the school holidays, also in-line skating)
www.duosport.nl Dutch only