Paddling near Drachten, Friesland

Drachten sits in the heart of Friesland, a province defined by an intricate network of canals, vaarten, and lakes. The area around the city is prime flatwater paddling territory, with routes threading through quiet polderland and into the wetlands of Nationaal Park De Alde Feanen. A dedicated 28.5 km kayak loop starts right at the southern edge of Drachten, linking the Verbindingskanaal, Offierkanaal, Bakkeveenstervaart, and Ouddiep — a varied circuit that sees very little boat traffic outside the main channels.