Date: 23 februari 2015
Reporter: Albert Hendriks – Friesland Holland Nieuwsdienst – www.friesnieuws.nl
The Eleven City Skating Race put Friesland on the world map
The fact that Friesland has eleven cities is a coincidence. There could have just as easily been twelve, thirteen or fourteen. The city charters were in fact granted in the Middle Ages, and no more were granted to cities which developed after 1500. In Friesland these charters were granted to the eleven cities which existed at the time.
The Elfstedentocht was originally a skating marathon which passed through the eleven cities in Friesland. The start and finish are in Leeuwarden.
Eleven city trips for tourists
The race, on natural ice and covering a distance of 200 kilometres, has to be completed within ca. 20 hours. However, you can take a lot more time if you do the trip by bike, on foot, or by car. As an Eleven Cities specialist, the Friesland Holland tourist office has a wide range of Eleven Cities holiday deals.
Check them out at:
www.frieslandtravel.com