Video: Skating the canals of Amsterdam


The cold snap that has brought much of Europe to a stand-still this winter has invigorated the Dutch. For the first time in more than a decade, the canals in Amsterdam have frozen solid, creating a network of rinks between the city’s iconic, gabled canal houses.

The above video captures the beauty of central Amsterdam as well as the warm, festive spirit of its residents. Watch as Amsterdammers play hockey, speed race along the icy ribbons, duck under stone bridges, balance on skates while walking on top of the cobblestones, and fill up on coffee, tea, and laughter. Leave it to the Dutch to make the best of whatever weather is dealt them.