On January 4, 2025, the 28th anniversary of the last Elfstedentocht is marked, evoking nostalgia and wistfulness among ice skating enthusiasts throughout the Netherlands. The last time this beloved schaats evenement was held was 28 years ago, and its rarity has become amplified by the rising threat of climate change, which increasingly threatens the very conditions necessary for its occurrence.
Wiebe Wieling, current chairman of the Royal Association of the Frisian Eleven Cities, has dedicated years to preparing for this iconic event. Since 2005, he has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, yet he has not been able to orchestrate another Elfstedentocht. With looming retirement plans at the end of 2025, he feels the weight of urgency. “We hope well, but realize the chance is small,” Wieling admits, shedding light on the reality of his position amid rapidly changing climatic conditions.
Wieling, standing next to the monument honoring the race just outside Leeuwarden, reflects with resignation on the harsh weather patterns. “The weather isn’t cooperating; it doesn’t come from the right direction,” he sighs, hinting at the elusive nature of the winter conditions needed for the event. Each year, the Elfstedenvereniging maps out extensive plans, requiring over €400,000 to keep all logistics updated and operational for immediate execution if the weather dictates.
With two million visitors expected when the race takes place, as well as 3,500 journalists, safety planning is just as dynamic as the race preparation. Gerben van Alst from the Veiligheidsregio Fryslân coordinates safety measures, emphasizing the collaboration required among various municipalities and emergency services. “The biggest challenge is the number of people who want to come and watch,” Van Alst notes. With today's advances in technology, the monitoring and management of crowds have become more complex. The Elfstedentocht is classified as a GRIP-4 event, calling for heightened awareness and readiness for emergencies.
The filtration of climate change's effects on the event cannot go unaddressed. According to the KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute), the chances of the Elfstedentocht occurring have shrunk dramatically. The 2024 temperature report indicated it as one of the hottest years recorded, motivated by climate fluctuations. “Climate disruption is here and now and not something for the distant future,” states Joost Brinkman, chairman of Cycling 4 Climate. This urges the community not just to mourn the loss of this frigid tradition but to act for the common good.
Even with the melting ice, the spirit of the Elfstedentocht remains alive through events like the Winterfiets Elfstedentocht, which is scheduled for January 19, 2025. This bike race mimics the traditional route, raising awareness about climate change. “If it freezes hard enough and the conditions are right, we should treat it as the last one,” Wieling reiterates, rallying supporters with the prospect of future endeavors.
The personal resonance of the Elfstedentocht is seldom more vivid than through the lens of participants like Elvira Salet. Having completed the race multiple times after triumphing with injuries, she exclaims, “The Elfstedentocht is after my children’s birth the best thing that's ever happened to me.” These words reflect the emotional weight borne by countless individuals as they anticipate the return of this iconic passage across the frozen waterways of Friesland. Salet, who participated last on January 4, 1997, recalls vividly the challenges faced on the route and her subsequent accomplishment, even contending with injury during the race. “If it ever happens again, I’ll be there, no matter how old I am,” she insists, maintaining her passion for the sport.
Like the rest of the community, Salet fears there may never be another Elfstedentocht. The KNMI reports indicate significant shifts are occurring; the likelihood of sufficient ice has plummeted as the climate warms. Today, none of the established norms guarantee plentiful ice days for skaters, with conditions now remaining elusive. “It’s dead sad, the skating on natural ice is rapidly diminishing,” Salet sighs, pondering the future of the sport.
Through the voices of loyal participants and dedicated organizers, the resounding call for action against climate change rings clear. The Elfstedentocht is not merely a sporting event but rather symbolizes tradition and community spirit. Every winter, the anticipation remains rabble-roused, echoing through the lanes of Friesland as they long for the day they hear the time-honored phrase echo once more: “It giet oan.”