Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, with a population of approximately 720.000. The first four World Championships in speed skating were all held in Amsterdam - at Museumplein. The third artificial 400 m track in the world was built in Amsterdam in 1961 (opened December), at a cost of 0,5 million US$. It was named after the famous speed skater Jaap Eden, European and World champion in the 19th century.

Originally, the track was designed to be deconstructed in summer to be used as a running track, but it proved to be a very costly operation. The track and the freezing system were renovated in 1990.

By Bjarte Hetland, last updated December 22, 2006