The Hel van het Noorden (Hell of the North) is a rowing race over the distance of 6 kilometres (3.7 mi).
As the race takes place in the last weekend of November the weather is often cold and stormy, hence the name 'Hell of the North'.
The race is traditionally rowed in the single scull or the coxless pair.
Less popular are the coxed pair and the double scull.
The Hel van het Noorden is nowadays an important moment to qualify for the Dutch national rowing team.