The NK Afstanden are the Dutch single distance championships, and for many fans they are the most nerve-racking weekend of the skating year. Each distance, from the 500 metres to the 10,000 metres, is a straight shoot-out for a national title and, often, a place in the team for the World Championships.
Expect big names, tight margins and a crowd that knows every split time. It is a great introduction to the sport if you want to understand why the Dutch get so emotional about people going round in circles on ice.
- When: Friday 22 to Sunday 24 January 2027
- Where: Thialf, Pim Mulierlaan 1, Heerenveen
- Tickets: via schaatsen.nl, check the official site for prices and session times
- Getting there: train to Heerenveen station, then a local bus, taxi or a walk of roughly 2 km.
Good to know: bring a warm jacket and gloves, and some cash or a card for the famous Thialf snack bar.
Planning your year? See everything on the events calendar.
