It’s been a week of sub-zero temps in the Netherlands, and the Dutch are dreaming that the country’s many canals, lakes and ponds will freeze over so that they can strap on their ice skates and go gliding on natural ice. Along with these dreams of skating on natural ice is the hope that this will be the year of the Elfstedentoch, the Eleven-Cities Tour.
Be careful when skating on natural ice because the snow hides the weak spots.
The Dutch don’t just bring skates to the ice, they also bring sleds and chairs.
Don’t have skates? That’s alright. Walking on the ice is just as much fun.
Cologne and Düsseldorf are situated a few miles apart from each other along the Rhine River, and an easy 45-minute train connection between the two cities makes it convenient to visit Christmas markets in both cities during one trip.