If you love a long bike ride, then the Noorderrondritten are definitely for you. This 144-kilometre route pays homage to the skating classic on natural ice, which was last ridden in 1997. Wherever possible, you follow the same route as the skaters on your bike. Ideal for road cyclists, but it is also a delightful ride for the slightly less fast cyclists.
North round trip package
The Noorderrondrit originated as the Groningen counterpart of the Elfstedentocht. And although we probably won't be able to skate this route anymore, you can still enjoy it by bike. Together with Fietsrelax, we put together a package in which you cycle along a number of beautiful places and stay overnight in nice and genuine Groningen places.
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The ultimate preparation
The Noorderrond rides have a rich history. It has been held 11 times since 1940. The natural ice classic was considered the perfect preparation for the well-known Elfstedentocht. Although the last edition of the skating tour took place in 1997, its tradition has continued. Indeed, since 1978, the Noorderrondritten have also been organised as a cycling tour. And for anyone who would like to cycle the tour themselves, since 2022, there is the signposted (racing) cycle route. Wherever possible, cyclists now ride the same route as the Noorderrondritten on skates. At four iconic spots along the route, there are panels with stories and photos recalling the skating tour.
Miles in the legs
The Noorderrond rides on bike have different distance options. The complete route consists of 144 kilometres. If you still find that a bit too far, you can also choose to cycle one of the two loops. The first loop has a length of 84 kilometres, the second loop 60. The village of Onderdendam is the central point of the route, where both loops meet. Because of its length, the route is especially suitable for cyclists, e-bikes and multi-day cycling trips.
