In 1909, the term Vierdaagse (Four Days) was first introduced in The Netherlands. The Royal Dutch Association for Physical Education (KNBLO) held ‘walking marches’ during this time.
The first Avond-vierdaagse (Evening Four Days) event was held in 1941 and quickly gained a following throughout The Netherlands. When the German occupying forces found out about this new form of walks they were forbidden to hold them because they were seen as a form of resistance against the occupiers.
After the Second World War, the Avond-Vierdaagse was held in various towns. Local walkers associations adopted it and the walks were held all over The Netherlands.
Currently, the Avond-Vierdaagse is held in almost every part of The Netherlands and worldwide. There are also other larger events like the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse.
Over the years there have been other forms of the Vierdaagse introduced: The swimming and cycling variants are the most common.
The Hamilton Four Day Evening Walk has taken place at the Royal Botanical Gardens since 1991 and is celebrating the 20th annual walk this year.