Smallingerland: Culture, Waterways and Nature

Smallingerland can be explored through a wide variety of themes: architecture and monastery history, shipbuilding, cycling and waterways, and natural areas. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay here, the mix of culture, activity and scenery you want can guide your travel plans.

Architecture, monastery history and shipbuilding

In Drachten, the Van Doesburg-Rinsema House is a museum house, a listed national monument and a venue for contemporary artists. Visitors can walk through the house and experience how the De Stijl movement used colour and space in an ordinary home. This also makes the visit interesting for anyone curious about how design can shape an everyday interior.

The Kloosterkerk Kortehemmen offers a different historical perspective. The church dates from the 13th century and was built in the Romanesque-Gothic style. It was part of the Benedictine monastery of Smelna in nearby Smalle Ee. Instead of a tower, there is a freestanding bell frame. The church’s volunteer committee organises small concerts, exhibitions and talks; check the dates before your visit.

The De Modderige Bol windmill also combines building history with a specific use: until 1952, it drained about 55 hectares of the Adamse polder. Parts of the lower tower were made from oak wood from trees felled around 1736. Drachten has a long tradition of maritime craftsmanship: Scheepsbouw O.H. van der Werff is the city’s only remaining shipyard where Skûtsjes are built. They have been built at this site since 1710.

Natural areas and landscapes

Kraanlannen is a marshy natural area on the edge of De Alde Feanen National Park. Otters and more than 60 species of breeding birds live there. The landscape, managed by It Fryske Gea, includes peat-cutting areas, swamp forest and patterns of narrow strips of land. For visitors, observing habitats here goes hand in hand with experiencing a landscape whose present-day form tells the story of its past use.

Oudega lies between De Alde Feanen National Park and De Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape. Walking tours take place in Oudega every year; check the current dates before travelling. This lets you combine an interest in nature with a specific reason to visit, without confusing the walks with other routes.

Cycling and getting out on the water

The Fietsfoodtour Smallingerland is a culinary cycling route through the municipality. In some places, its route differs from the cycling junction network and uses a ferry. Before setting off, check the ferry service information and plan your navigation accordingly. The Turfroute offers named cycling sections for De Veenhoop and De Alde Feanen National Park, as well as for Drachten and the surrounding area; check the latest route information before your trip.

The small De Grietman ferry carries cyclists and pedestrians between De Veenhoop and Hooidammen, crossing the Wide Ie in a few minutes. As the service and timetable vary by season, check the crossing before setting off. For water sports enthusiasts, the reopened Drachtstervaart allows boats to travel close to the centre of Drachten and moor at the visitors’ harbour. Boats with an air draught of up to 2.95 metres and a draught of up to 1.40 metres are permitted; check your boat’s dimensions before setting out.

Sloops for five people can be rented from Van der Werff in Drachten. As availability should be confirmed, it is advisable to enquire in advance. Simmerdeis, a summer festival in Drachten and Smallingerland, is another seasonal cultural event. The programme and dates vary from year to year.

Planning your stay

The Toeristisch Informatie Punt TIP Drachten at Museum Dr8888 offers route maps, city walks and visitor tips. As visitor services may change, check the latest information on site or before your trip. This lets you plan around what you want to do in Smallingerland: visit a museum house and historic buildings, take a cycling trip, cross by ferry or enjoy a stay surrounded by natural areas.

Discover more destinations: Oudega, Drachten, Houtigehage, De Tike, De Veenhoop, Oudega Gem Smallingerlnd, Rottevalle, Goëngahuizen.

For the regional travel overview: Friesland.