Drachten, Bakkeveen, Ureterp

How do you cycle from Drachten to Moscow and back with only 57 kilometres on the counter? This surprising cycle route through Friesland takes you past special places! Don't worry, you don't need Russian, Frisian will do. Moscow is in fact a hamlet, named after a farm that was given this name as a nod to Russia. Also nearby is the hamlet of Petersburg, whose name may refer to the 18th-century peat cutter Pieter Blaauw, or to the famous Russian city of St Petersburg. It remains a mystery.

During your cycle route, you will pass through Bakkeveen, where you will pass the historic Sterrenschans. This unique defence work from the 18th century, with its characteristic star shape, was meant to repel enemy incursions, but was never actually used in war.

Drachten itself also has surprising art-historical significance. In the 1920s, the town played an important role in the modern art movement De Stijl. Theo van Doesburg worked here with the Rinsema brothers and designed interiors in the Parrot neighbourhood. Make a stop at Museum Dr8888 and be inspired by the art of De Stijl and the rich cultural history of the region.