This town is southeast of Leeuwaarden and the ideal base for a relaxing holiday. Discover the culture, history and beautiful nature.
In Drachten you’ll find good food and great sidewalk cafés. You can spend time in nature and in Leeuwarden. Learn about the local culture and try your Frisian!
Drachten has never been granted town privileges and isn't even one of the eleven cities which are renowned for the ice skating race which takes place in exceptionally cold winters (Elfstedentocht). But if you consider the number of inhabitants and the surrounding area, you’d never think that Drachten is anything else than a city. Drachten was a small town for a long time but expanded in the 1950s when Philips built a factory here.
There's a lot to do in the centre of Drachten. You can shop, relax at sidewalk cafés and walk along the Carillon, which was designed in 1996 by the architect Gunnar Daan.
If you’re interested in modern art movements such as Dadaism and De Stijl, take some time to admire the collection at Museum Dr8888. End the day with a performance at the Schouwburg de Lawei or go clubbing in Leeuwarden!
You cannot leave without having seen at least some of Friesland’s nature. Hire bicycles and cycle through National Park De Alde Feanen, which is one huge peat meadow. Petting zoo de Naturij is of course a must with the kids. They have everything from a playground and a swimming pool to nature trails and of course a petting zoo!
Explore Drachten and the area by car or bicycle if the weather is good. The countryside is the perfect place to spend the day. Leeuwarden is so close that you can cycle there too.
If you’re travelling around the Netherlands by car, you can park in one of the many parking garages in the centre of town or for free just outside the centre. If you're travelling by public transport, Drachten doesn't have a train station, so you'll have to take the train to Heerenveen, Assen or Groningen and take a bus from there.
Discover Friesland's culture, language, friendly people and the beautiful nature around Drachten. The town is perfect for a romantic weekend or a longer holiday with the whole family.
