Things To Do
in Drachten

A traditional Dutch mash of potatoes mixed with vegetables (kale, endive, sauerkraut, or carrots) often served with smoked sausage or bacon; find it in homey brasseries and traditional restaurants.

Must-Try!

Fresh or smoked local fish, including herring eaten raw (often from a stall or fishmonger) and smoked eel or salmon — try from fish shops or market stalls.

A sweet, buttery bread flavored with sugar and cinnamon, typical of Friesland and available at bakeries around Drachten.

Small, fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar — a popular treat sold at markets, festivals and some cafés.

The town market (check local timetables for market day) features fresh produce, fish stalls, cheeses and baked goods — an excellent place to sample herring, smoked fish and local cheeses.

Throughout the year you’ll find seasonal stalls during events and fairs offering poffertjes, snert (pea soup) in winter and regional specialties; these pop up around the town square and event locations.

People in the Netherlands are typically direct and to the point; politeness is appreciated but expect straightforward answers.

Be on time for appointments and social plans — punctuality is valued in both business and social contexts.

Observe bike lanes and pedestrian rules — cyclists have priority in many situations; don’t walk or stand in marked cycling lanes.

Form orderly queues and wait your turn; small talk is usually brief and functional rather than overly personal with people you don’t know well.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; leaving small change or rounding up the bill (5–10%) for good service is common in restaurants and cafés. For taxis or helpful service, a small tip is customary but not required.

Card payments (chip & PIN and contactless) are widely accepted; many places also accept mobile payment apps. Carry a small amount of cash for market stalls or very small shops, but cash is less necessary than in the past.

Milder temperatures and increasing daylight make spring a pleasant time — expect blooming trees, farm activity and good cycling conditions; bring a light jacket for breezy days.

Warm but rarely hot weather with long daylight hours; ideal for cycling, boating and lakeside activities — pack sunscreen, a hat and a light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Cooler, often windy and wet with colorful foliage; days shorten and layers are necessary. Good time for cozy cafés and enjoying seasonal produce.

Cold, damp and sometimes frosty; snow and prolonged freezing can bring natural ice skating if conditions allow, but expect occasional storms and shortened daylight—dress warmly with waterproof layers.

Football is the most popular organized sport with local amateur clubs playing weekly matches and strong community participation.

Friesland has a deep skating tradition; natural ice skating is celebrated in cold winters and skating clubs are common in the region.

Both recreational and commuter cycling are widespread; the flat terrain and extensive cycle paths make it a top activity.

Nearby lakes and waterways are popular for sailing, canoeing and other water-based recreation in warmer months.