The 2024 edition of the Oliebollentocht took place in Rotterdam and attracted more than 100 velomobiles and their riders. This gathering was an showcase of the velomobile community, with participants not only from Netherlands, but also surrounding countries. The ride highlighted Rotterdam’s beautiful surroundings, its cycling infrastructure and the unmissable sight of an incredible number of velomobiles moving through the city together.
The event was all about velomobiles with a stop in a The Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam which is a renowned example of early 20th-century industrial architecture, celebrated for its modernist and functionalist design. Constructed between 1925 and 1931, the factory was designed by architects Leendert van der Vlugt and Johannes Brinkman. It was originally purposed for processing coffee, tea, and tobacco.
The factory’s innovative use of steel and glass, particularly its extensive curtain walls, allowed for abundant natural light, earning it the nickname “the first daylight factory in Europe.”
The Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam ceased its original operations as a processing facility for coffee, tea, and tobacco in 1996. After its closure, the site underwent significant renovations and was repurposed as a business and event space, eventually earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014.
Two videos from the event perfectly capture the vibrant energy, the level of participation and the stunning visuals of so many unique velomobiles on the road.
About the Oliebollentocht
The Oliebollentocht is a popular annual velomobile ride in the Netherlands, usually held in the last week of December. It is named after Oliebollen, a traditional Dutch New Year’s treat akin to deep-fried dough balls. The event is a scenic ride of 50 to 100 kilometres through various Dutch locations, combining the country’s famous cycling infrastructure with breathtaking scenery.
It is less about competition and more about community and fun. Riders show off their customized velomobiles, share stories and end the day with warm oliebollen and drinks, emphasizing the festive nature of the event.