Dokkum, Bartlehiem, Giekerk

"It sil heve" is the name of the monument by artists Maree Blok and Bas Lugthart. The phrase, in Frisian, means "It will happen," and was famously uttered by Jan Sipkema, the former chairman of the Association of the Frisian Eleven Cities, when he announced the Tour of Tours in 1985 -the first time it was held after 22 years, following the legendary 1963 edition.

The bridge at Gytsjerk (Giekerk) is a mosaic made of thousands of tiles crafted from Makkum pottery. Over 7,000 Eleven Cities Tour participants are depicted on these tiles, with their names and years. Together, the tiles form an image of a group of skaters when viewed from a distance. A platform under the bridge allows visitors to view the photos up close.

Collecting the photos of thousands of skaters was quite a task, but they were sent in from all over the country. You can find portraits of skaters from the first tour in 1909 to the most recent edition in 1997, which included King Willem-Alexander. The back of the bridge remains available for future Eleven Cities Tour participants.

This cycle route lets you explore the section skated twice during the Eleven Cities Tour: the stretch between Leeuwarden and Dokkum. Along the way, you’ll not only see the Eleven Cities Monument but also the famous bridge at Bartlehiem. Cycle along the waters of the Dokkumer Ee, the Eeltjesmeer, and cross De Moark. The charming Frisian villages and towns along the way offer perfect spots for a delightful break.

Note: Between junctions 35 and 36, there is a ferry, De Wynser Oerset, operating on weekends from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM between Easter weekend and September 30. From May 15 to September 15, the ferry runs daily from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM. If the ferry is not in service, follow the alternative route via junctions 35-31-32-12 to continue (or vice versa starting from junction 12).