A house that offers a De Stijl experience, a 13th-century church and a waterway reaching close to the centre of Drachten: Smallingerland can be explored through a wide range of cultural and natural attractions. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the places and activities by their character—from a tour through architectural history to cycling and waterways.
Drachten: De Stijl, shipyard and waterway
The Van Doesburg-Rinsema House in Drachten is a museum house and a listed national monument (Rijksmonument), as well as a venue for presenting contemporary artists. In the house, you can experience how the De Stijl movement used colour and space in an ordinary home. This offers a tangible way to engage with the art movement: the focus is not only on individual works, but also on how they interact with the living space.
Scheepsbouw O.H. van der Werff shows a different side of Drachten. It is the only remaining shipyard in Drachten where skûtsjes are built; they have been made at this site since 1710. Those interested in maritime craft history will find a distinct focus here, alongside the modern art and architecture theme.
The reopened Drachtstervaart also shapes the area’s watersports opportunities: it allows boats to travel close to the centre of Drachten and moor at the public visitor harbour. Boats with an air draught of up to 2.95 metres and a draught of up to 1.40 metres are permitted. Check these measurements for your boat before setting off.
Church and mill: historic architectural forms
Kloosterkerk Kortehemmen was part of the Benedictine monastery of Smelna in nearby Smalle Ee. The church dates from the 13th century and is built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. Instead of a tower, it has a freestanding bell frame (klokkenstoel). This gives the church a different appearance from a building with an attached bell tower.
The volunteer committee of Kloosterkerk organises activities there, such as small concerts, exhibitions and lectures. If you would like to combine your visit with an event, check the dates before planning your trip.
Until 1952, the De Modderige Bol windmill drained about 55 hectares of the Adamse polder. Parts of the lower tower are made of oak from trees felled around 1736. These two dates tell different chapters: the origin of the building timber and the mill’s later use for drainage.
Kraanlannen and Oudega: nature and trails
Kraanlannen is a marshy nature area on the edge of De Alde Feanen National Park. The wetland and marsh area managed by It Fryske Gea includes peat-cutting pits, wet woodland and patterns of narrow strips of land. It is a habitat for otters and more than 60 species of breeding birds. The combination of wetlands and breeding habitats makes the area particularly interesting for nature enthusiasts; wildlife sightings depend on the moment.
Oudega lies between De Alde Feanen National Park and the De Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape. Walking tours take place there every year. If you would like to include one in your trip, check the current dates.
Cycling, ferries and seasonal culture
The Fietsfoodtour Smallingerland is a culinary cycling route through the municipality of Smallingerland. In places, it deviates from the cycling junction network and uses a ferry. Check the ferry details before setting off. The Turfroute includes named cycling sections to De Veenhoop and De Alde Feanen National Park, as well as to Drachten and the surrounding area. As route options may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before deciding on your route.
The small ferry De Grietman carries cyclists and pedestrians between De Veenhoop and Hooidammen, crossing the Wide Ie in just a few minutes. Service and timetables are seasonal; check them before setting off. Another cultural option is Simmerdeis, a summer festival in Drachten and Smallingerland. The programme and dates vary from year to year. For route plans, town walks and visitor tips, the Toeristisch Informatie Punt TIP Drachten at Museum Dr8888 can help; check the current services before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Oudega, Drachten, Houtigehage, De Tike, De Veenhoop, Oudega Gem Smallingerlnd, Rottevalle and Goëngahuizen.
Return to the main travel overview: Friesland.
