Een van de elf is a Dutch phrase that translates to “one of the eleven” in English. This phrase refers to the eleven cities in the province of Friesland in the Netherlands that are connected by a series of canals, rivers, and lakes. The most famous event associated with Een van de elf is the Elfstedentocht, a long-distance ice skating race that takes place when the canals freeze over in the winter.
The Elfstedentocht is considered a legendary event in the Netherlands, as it has only been held 15 times since it was first organized in 1909. The race covers a distance of approximately 200 kilometers, with participants skating through all eleven cities in one day. Due to the unpredictable weather conditions required for the canals to freeze over, the race can only be held when the ice is at least 15 centimeters thick and the weather is cold enough to sustain it.
The Elfstedentocht is not just a sporting event, but also a cultural phenomenon in the Netherlands. It brings together people from all over the country who come to support the skaters and celebrate the unique tradition of the race. The Elfstedentocht is a test of endurance, skill, and determination, with participants facing challenging conditions such as freezing temperatures, strong winds, and rough ice.
The last Elfstedentocht took place in 1997, and since then, the race has been eagerly anticipated each winter. However, due to the changing climate and warmer winters, the chances of the canals freezing over sufficiently for the race to be held are becoming increasingly rare. Despite this, the spirit of Een van de elf lives on in the hearts of the Dutch people, who continue to hold onto the hope that one day they will witness the magic of the Elfstedentocht once again.