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.

Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann is a German former speed skater. She is a three-time Olympic gold medallist, winning the 3000 metres in 1992 and 1998 and the 5000 metres in 1992. She won a total of eight Olympic medals.