In the far north of the Netherlands, in a vast and flat landscape, lie eleven historical towns linked by canals. They set the stage for a phenomenal ice skating event that is held just as soon as the canals freeze over and the ice is solid enough: The Eleven Towns Tour. The 200 km marathon is so popular with the Dutch people that the route is often cycled in warmer months with a feeling of nostalgia as cyclists pass familiar waymarks. What a lovely route it is!