Groninger Schaatsmuseum
Did you know there is a skating museum in Sappemeer? Owner Alex Kampinga has hundreds of them and knows a thing or two about skating through the ages.
Take a closer look
Location
"Scheuveln! Scheuveln! Aalmoal on the ies! One is young and the other is grey".
"Alex is good at explaining and really knows a lot. I liked the oldest skates from around seventeen hundred and eighteen hundred the best, that they could make something like that back then!" - said an enthusiastic visitor.
The Groninger Schaatsmuseum shows how skating has changed over the centuries. The museum does this with various models from many skate manufacturers, posters, figurines and much more related to skating.
These days, skaters ride on irons. That was an...
"Scheuveln! Scheuveln! Aalmoal on the ies! One is young and the other is grey".
"Alex is good at explaining and really knows a lot. I liked the oldest skates from around seventeen hundred and eighteen hundred the best, that they could make something like that back then!" - said an enthusiastic visitor.
The Groninger Schaatsmuseum shows how skating has changed over the centuries. The museum does this with various models from many skate manufacturers, posters, figurines and much more related to skating.
Nowadays, skaters ride on irons. It was different in the past. For centuries, people moved around on frozen water with a sledge or glis (a smooth leg of a cow or horse). Holes were made in these to attach them under the shoe with a tendon or strap. Setting off with a prodding stick (the cross-country skiing principle) got people moving. In the early 15th century, blacksmiths started making skates entirely out of iron. Still later, the sliding iron was mounted in a wooden sole. Today's skate is still somewhat recognisable in these.
The Groninger Schaatsmuseum is open by appointment and standard Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00 (free admission).
Near the Groninger Schaatsmuseum, the inspiring walking route 'In the footsteps of Aletta Jacobs' starts.