Vorsttocht

Vorsttocht is a Dutch term that translates roughly as frost march. It can refer to a march or campaign carried out under frost and freezing conditions, or more generally to military movements and operations that are significantly affected by cold weather.

Etymology: the word combines vorst (frost) with tocht (march or expedition). In Dutch-language historical writing the compound is used to describe movements of troops during winter or into frost-prone seasons, and it sometimes labels particular campaigns where winter conditions were decisive.

Usage and scope: The precise meaning varies between authors and periods. In some accounts vorsttocht designates winter campaigns in the Low Countries or northern Europe; in others it is used descriptively for logistical marches in severe cold, where frost shaped routes, supply lines, and tempo.

Other uses and limitations: Modern discussions may employ the term metaphorically to denote difficult expeditions conducted under adverse weather. There is no single, universally recognized event that all scholars agree constitutes the vorsttocht.

See also: Winter campaign; Frost; Military march; Low Countries.