Cities & nature

Drachten, located in the heart of Friesland, is a surprisingly versatile destination for those who love nature, culture, and coziness. This modern city offers an intriguing contrast between contemporary architecture and the peaceful Frisian landscapes surrounding it.

Combine your visit to Hotel Drachten with a day trip to Leeuwarden. Leeuwarden is located 30 minutes by car from Drachten and is the capital of Friesland, the starting and finishing point of the Elfstedentocht, and was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2018!

Just a 30-minute drive from our hotel, you will find the city of Groningen. The best city center, the most enjoyable student city, and the most bike-friendly city: Groningen has it all! Groningen offers day-trippers, tourists, and shoppers everything you would expect from a city and is the cultural heart of the province of Groningen.

Visit the Wadden Islands from the hotel. Holwerd is only a 45-minute drive from the hotel. Did you know that there is also a Van der Valk hotel on Texel? Definitely worth a visit!

In the heart of Friesland, in the triangle between Leeuwarden, Heerenveen, and Drachten, lies the nearly 4,000 hectares large low peat bog De Alde Feanen. A very diverse landscape consisting of lakes, peat ponds, reed lands, rough areas, shrubs, and marsh forests. The landscape variation results in an enormous richness of plants and animals.

Walk into the forest and enjoy the diversity of tree species, various birds, and other animal species living there. The forest is densely wooded. Furthermore, you will come across everything; from coniferous trees to deciduous trees, from paved paths (convenient for strollers and wheelchairs) to large sand dunes.