Thialf

Perfect ambiance only able to enjoy at the best speed skating stadium of the world. A must go for every ice skating enthusiast or any one who wants to have the real proud skating feelings.

We were at Dutch National ice skating championship in 2017. It was great! The place is quite new. There are many places to eat and drink. There are plenty of places to stand and watch the skating. Atmosphere there was very special. Recommended as one of Dutch experiences for sure!

A very nice experience. I was there for the first time and the atmosphere was incredible. They keep each side of the stadium busy with songs and quizzes. Among all is nice to see all those passionate people taking notes and enjoying a day with the best of the dutch ice skating. Food and snacks were pricey but tasty and big portions (fries). You have also other options for vegetarians. If you doubt to visit I'd say at least try it once!

It's incredible to see Thialf in person. The legends who have been on the ice here are countless.

Probably the best skating facilities in The Netherlands.

Great place for all ages and skill levels. The staff are very friendly and the place is kept very clean. The blades give are of very good quality and the ring kept in good condition. Serves hot drinks in the ring seating area so you don't need to go anywhere for refreshments. 10/10

The mecca of Speedskating. The Cafe has good food/drinks for spectators & patrons. Great atmosphere for ice-sports athletes.

Camper parking (with electrical hook up) for max 4 campers. Max duration is 3 days. Zero cost! Location clearly marked on the edge of the parking lot by the skating hall in Heerenveen.

Going to a Dutch ice skating rink is somewhat of an adventure for the casual American ice skater. The average Californian has gone out ice skating maybe once a year, in a public rink, on skates roughly akin to European figure skates. In the Netherlands, the average ice skater has gone to the local outdoor rink, or pond, repeatedly throughout their childhood Winters. Their skates are basically speed skating skates. When asked if I could skate, my answer was, "Yes." It should have been, "No!" Or at least not at the level of the casual Dutch skater! Anyways, I figured a smooth ice surface was better for my inexperience than the pond nearby. So, off to Thialf! Not wishing to invest a lot in the endeavor, I planned to rent skates. Unfortunately, the rental shop doesn't open when the rink does, which is Thialf's only lost star. A search in Heerenveen failed to yield any reasonable alternatives. We then decided to sip snert (split pea soup) in the café until Thialf's rental shop came through. The rental shop actually had some used skates that were a great price, so I went with those. Laughably, the skates were speed skates, which are a completely different animal! I was like a cartoon character running in one place, but going nowhere! Back up stairs, I explained the problem and BEGGED the skate shop people to switch me into a pair of used figure skates. They did, and sharpened them for me! The new set were very good skates and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the amateur circle. I even braved a trip around the amateur ring! One of the real pleasures of a trip to Thialf is sharing (sort of) the same ice that many Olympians have traversed. So, as I meandered around the amateur 'bunny' ring, I watched the professionals practice in the larger outer Olympian ring. WOW! Those people barely move and they've gone an entire lap! It will make you forget your own shame and embarrassment as you gaze in wonder.