Drachten offers several clear ways to explore: De Stijl influences in art and architecture, a city walk with cultural themes, and routes through green surroundings. There are also different options for activities with children. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth considering whether you would like to focus primarily on design and architectural history, nature or active pursuits.
De Stijl Art and Architectural History
The Van Doesburg-Rinsemahuis is an important example in Friesland of Theo van Doesburg’s ideas about colour harmony applied in the context of De Stijl. Architecture and art history come together here in a specific design concept: colour harmony is considered not in isolation, but in connection with an artistic movement.
At Raadhuisplein, the Dada Monument offers a different perspective. The artwork takes the form of an eight made from car bonnets and is painted in the characteristic colours of De Stijl. In the Papegaaienbuurt, several houses designed by Cees Rienks de Boer feature woodwork painted according to designs by Theo van Doesburg. The De Stijl influences are thus expressed in different ways: as an artwork in the square and as painted woodwork on houses.
The Karmelklooster Drachten is also part of the area’s built heritage. It is a Rijksmonument, a listed national monument, and the only authentic monastery building still preserved in Friesland. The “Mural Philips” wall painting recalls another side of the city’s history: it was created in honour of Philips and in memory of the company’s importance to Drachten. Together, these places and artworks offer different ways to explore art, architecture and remembrance.
City Walk or Green Route
The “Stadswandeling Drachten” is 3.2 kilometres long and brings together art, history and architecture. The city walk thus combines three cultural themes along a clearly defined route. If you would rather choose a route through Drachten’s green surroundings, “Rondje Dr8888” offers a different focus: it passes along water, art and nature. The two routes can be distinguished by their focus—here, the city’s themes; there, the green surroundings and the combination of water, art and nature.
TOP Drachten is a tourist starting point for exploring Drachten on foot or by bike. Open Drachten presents cycling, walking and driving routes through Drachten and its thirteen villages. Smallingerland offers a mix of nature, culture and history. This gives you a choice of ways to get around and themes to explore, without every route having to offer the same experience.
One specific cycling option is “Drijvende krachten”: the route starts at the Toeristisch Opstappunt in Drachten and passes through De Veenhoop and Oudega. Along the way, it offers insights into the entrepreneurial energy and innovative outlook of the local residents. This gives the ride a thematic focus that looks beyond cycling to the people and their ideas.
Play and Nature with Children
De Naturij and Spijkerdorp offer different options for activities with children. De Naturij has indoor and outdoor play areas, opportunities to meet animals, and a nature expedition. At Spijkerdorp, children can build huts, use the play equipment and ride on a go-kart track. The choice therefore also depends on which focus is a better fit: play, animals and nature at De Naturij, or building, play equipment and go-karting at Spijkerdorp. Both options complement Drachten’s cultural themes with another way to enjoy your stay.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Houtigehage, De Veenhoop, Goëngahuizen, Oudega, Rottevalle, Oudega Gem Smallingerlnd, De Tike.
For the main travel overview: Smallingerland.
