Drachten, Ureterp, De Wilp

This cycle route takes you through the varied surroundings of Drachten and De Wilp, where you can enjoy both nature and culture. A nice place to visit is the Karmelklooster in Drachten. This old monastery, which is now a cultural centre, offers a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful garden to walk through. The monastery has an interesting history and is now a place where you can get married, stay overnight or join a guided tour.

Nearby you will also find the beautiful Bakkeveen Dunes. This nature area is really a recommendation for lovers of woods, heath and sand dunes. It is a lovely place to get off your bike and enjoy nature. The variety of the landscape makes cycling here extra fun, with beautiful views and quiet paths to ride through.

On the way, you pass the Waskmar. Shepherds used to wash their sheep here. Waskmar therefore also translates as ‘wash-lake’. The Waskmar is close to De Wilp, a small village with an interesting history. The village once originated as a peat colony and this can still be seen in the old workers' cottages and farms. It is a cosy, quiet place to taste the atmosphere of the past and perhaps empathise with the history of the peat workers.