The 1996 World Allround Speed Skating Championships were held on 14–16 February 1997 in the Ludwig-Schwabl-Stadion stadium in Inzell, Germany.

This was the first World Championships where men and women competed at the same time and venue.

Title defenders were the 1995 world champions Gunda Niemann from Germany and Rintje Ritsma from the Netherlands.

Both prolongated their titles.

NQ = Not qualified for the 10000 m (only the best 12 are qualified)NS=did not start* = Includes a fall NQ = Not qualified for the 5000 m (only the best 12 are qualified)NS= Did not start* = Includes a fall