Ice skating fun in Amsterdam
Following the recent cold snap, Amsterdam’s canals have once again been transformed into an ice skater’s paradise. This rare treat means there will be plentiful opportunities to indulge in a weekend of skating, with numerous ice-friendly activities being organised around the city. New events are being announced so check back for the latest additions and details!
Keizersrace on the Keizersgracht
For the first time in 15 years the legendary ‘Keizersrace’ will return to the Keizersgracht, between Leidsestraat and Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, on Saturday 11 February. Unlike many long distance natural ice skating contests around the Netherlands, this is a short sprint race over 150 metres. Organised by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, races begin from 18:00 in the following order:
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Girls - under 15
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Boys - under 15
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Women
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Men
This is a knockout contest. Lots will be drawn and skaters will race against each other; the winner progressing to the next round until eventually a champion "keizer" or "keizerin" is crowned for each group.
Alongside the races, the streets around the Keizersgracht will be filled with entertainment, including soup stalls, freshly baked goods, Glühwein and live performances by traditional Dutch troubadours. For further programme information visit De Telegraaf.
High profile competitors include former world champion speed skating sprinter Jan Bos and Brecht Kramer, the sister of popular Dutch speed skater Sven Kramer. Mayor Eberhard van der Laan told the De Telegraaf: “This is fantastic for Amsterdam. After the ‘Elfstedentocht’, the ‘Keizersrace’ is the next best thing for Amsterdammers. From a very young age we all dream of the chance to skate upon the city’s canals. And with the fantastic lighting and everything else happening around this, it creates a really atmospheric scene.”
Waterland Oosttocht skating route
From Thursday 9 until Sunday 12 February, the Waterland Oostocht skating route will be open to the public. This is a 25 km skating route over the canals and waterways of Amsterdam-Noord and surrounding towns. Its start and checkpoints will be open daily from 10:00 until 14:00, including at Zunderdorp, Schellingwoude and Holysloot. It is 15 years since the last Waterland Oosttocht tour was held so expect certain areas to be busier than usual. Check the website of the District of Noord for more route information and map (in Dutch), as well as additional details for car parking.
Prinsengracht on Ice
While classical concerts on Amsterdam’s canals are a familiar sight in spring and summer, an orchestral performance on ice during the heart of winter is undoubtedly a rare spectacle. But this is precisely what’s happening on the Prinsengracht on Friday 10 February, from 12:00 to 13:00, outside Hotel Pulitzer. The performance will feature classics performed by The Paradiso Orchestra, comprising musicians from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Dutch Chamber Orchestra and other renowned orchestras. The event will be broadcast live by Radio 4.
Arrow Jazz on Ice
On Saturday 11 February, the radio station Arrow Jazz will present Arrow Jazz on Ice at the Loosdrechtse Plassen, between Amsterdam and Hilversum. Hosted beside Restaurant Amice from 13:00, ice skating on the lake will be accompanied by jazz tunes from DJ Maestro.
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