The Dutch city of Zwolle is home to some 120.000 people and, although second in size to Enschede, it serves as the province capital of Overijssel. It is known as a "green city" for its many parks and the municipality's efforts to maintain them through sustainable activities. Zwolle is surrounded by different rivers and lies at a meeting point of different ecological zones. For visitors, it's well-kept town centre is one of the main attractions, with an abundance of historic buildings and a pleasant city atmosphere.
The area where Zwolle lies has been inhabited since the Neolithic times, for which proof was found in the form of archeological artifacts and a (Bronze time) timber circle which is colloquially called Zwolle's Woodhenge. In Roman times, Salian Franks lived here. The city as we know is first documented in the 11th century, but it was the 13th century city- and market rights that made the Zwolle grow. It became a member of the Hanseatic League and grew into a flourishing trade centre. There was strong competition with neighbouring Kampen.
Most of the city's 14th century defensive walls are gone, but a few parts remain. Especially in combination with the few surviving city gates, some towers and the canals, it's not too hard to get an impression of the extend of the fortified city from late Medieval times to the 17th century Dutch Golden Age. This area, the historic city centre inside the canal ring, is the most charming part of town and holds a range of other old buildings.
- Sassenpoort, Sassenstraat 51. Building of this city gate started in the late 14th century. Today, it's one of the city's main landmarks. It's built largely with natural stones and today it's owned and maintained by the national government. It's classified as a monument of extraordinary cultural-historical importance. The building is open to visitors.
- City wall ruins. Only small pieces of the former city walls can be seen today. The best place to see them is at the end of the Diezerstraat. Once, the Diezer tower stood here too.
- Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Hemelopneming and Peperbus tower, Ossenmarkt. This church was built in stages, with the first parts completed in the late 14th century. The final stage was the tower, which was constructed between 1454 en 1463 and is commonly known as the Peperbus, a nickname it gained from it's resemblance to a pepper pot. The church was granted the title of basilica upon its 600 year anniversary in 1999. The 75m high tower is one of the main landmarks of the city and it's possible to climb the first part of the tower (236 stairs), to a height of 51 meters, which allows for great views over town. Entrance to the basilica is free, climbing the tower costs €2.50 for adults and €1 for kids, including an information leaflet.
- Grote Kerk, Grote Markt 18. This large church right on the central market was built in the 15th century and is dedicated to the archangel Michael. Already weakened by repeated lightning strikes, the tall church tower (the highest tower in the country at the time) collapsed in a 1682 storm. The church has Sunday services and is not open for visitors during the week.
Famous as one of the country's "greenest" cities, Zwolle has no less than 33 parks on its city grounds. Many are small, but all are well-kept and where possible, sustainable and environmentally friendly measures are used for all necessary maintenance activities. A stroll or a summer pick-nick are excellent ways to get away from the city buzz. One or two of the parks contain historic graveyards, and most have some sort of playground for children.
- Potgietersingel. This is one of the smallest parks (only 1.2ha in size), but due to its location right in the city centre, it's one of the busiest. In summer, locals use the grass fields to enjoy the sun. The park was established in the 19th century, on top and around a part of the historic defence structures. It holds a number of large, old trees, a fountain and some flower beds.
- Engelse Werk. Creation of this park in English landscape garden style (hence the name) started in 1830. With a 36ha area, it's a rather large park. It's located at the south-west side of town, near the river IJssel. Before the 1800s, this place was part of the defensive structures and parts of the old ramparts can still be made out. The adjoining forest was planted in 1980, but now has a fairly natural feel to it.
- Park de Wezenlanden. This city park is the most visited of Zwolle's parks, but that's in part due to the event terrain that's located here. It's the scene of the city's annual Liberation Festival as well as a number of smaller events. This is a real city park, an area clearly dedicated to the outdoor needs of the locals. There's a basketball field, a fairly large skateboarding park, an adventure playground and more. The park is about 21ha in size.
Potgietersingel. This is one of the smallest parks (only 1.2ha in size), but due to its location right in the city centre, it's one of the busiest. In summer, locals use the grass fields to enjoy the sun. The park was established in the 19th century, on top and around a part of the historic defence structures. It holds a number of large, old trees, a fountain and some flower beds.
Engelse Werk. Creation of this park in English landscape garden style (hence the name) started in 1830. With a 36ha area, it's a rather large park. It's located at the south-west side of town, near the river IJssel. Before the 1800s, this place was part of the defensive structures and parts of the old ramparts can still be made out. The adjoining forest was planted in 1980, but now has a fairly natural feel to it.
Park de Wezenlanden. This city park is the most visited of Zwolle's parks, but that's in part due to the event terrain that's located here. It's the scene of the city's annual Liberation Festival as well as a number of smaller events. This is a real city park, an area clearly dedicated to the outdoor needs of the locals. There's a basketball field, a fairly large skateboarding park, an adventure playground and more. The park is about 21ha in size.
- City Museum Zwolle, Melkmarkt 41, +31 384214650. The city museum houses in a 16th century building, expanded in the 1990s. It is home to a collection of historic and cultural artefacts, as well as a range of both historic and contemporary art works. Of course, the focus of the collection lies on the city and its direct surroundings. €7.50.
- Museum De Fundatie, Blijmarkt 20, +31 572-388188. Tu Su, 11.00 - 17.00. This arts museum is housed in the "Paleis aan de Blijmarkt", built in the first half of the 19th century as the regional Justice Palace. The neo-classicistic building was extensively renovated in 2012, with a new, large elliptical structure added on the roof (nicknamed the UFO by locals). The museum's collection consists of a good range of contemporary and modern art, mostly paintings. The collection is divided over two locations: this one, in the centre of Zwolle, and Nijenhuis castle near Heino. €9 for adults, €6 for students.
City Museum Zwolle, Melkmarkt 41, +31 384214650. The city museum houses in a 16th century building, expanded in the 1990s. It is home to a collection of historic and cultural artefacts, as well as a range of both historic and contemporary art works. Of course, the focus of the collection lies on the city and its direct surroundings. €7.50.
Museum De Fundatie, Blijmarkt 20, +31 572-388188. Tu Su, 11.00 - 17.00. This arts museum is housed in the "Paleis aan de Blijmarkt", built in the first half of the 19th century as the regional Justice Palace. The neo-classicistic building was extensively renovated in 2012, with a new, large elliptical structure added on the roof (nicknamed the UFO by locals). The museum's collection consists of a good range of contemporary and modern art, mostly paintings. The collection is divided over two locations: this one, in the centre of Zwolle, and Nijenhuis castle near Heino. €9 for adults, €6 for students.
Sassenpoort, Sassenstraat 51. Building of this city gate started in the late 14th century. Today, it's one of the city's main landmarks. It's built largely with natural stones and today it's owned and maintained by the national government. It's classified as a monument of extraordinary cultural-historical importance. The building is open to visitors.
City wall ruins. Only small pieces of the former city walls can be seen today. The best place to see them is at the end of the Diezerstraat. Once, the Diezer tower stood here too.
Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Hemelopneming and Peperbus tower, Ossenmarkt. This church was built in stages, with the first parts completed in the late 14th century. The final stage was the tower, which was constructed between 1454 en 1463 and is commonly known as the Peperbus, a nickname it gained from it's resemblance to a pepper pot. The church was granted the title of basilica upon its 600 year anniversary in 1999. The 75m high tower is one of the main landmarks of the city and it's possible to climb the first part of the tower (236 stairs), to a height of 51 meters, which allows for great views over town. Entrance to the basilica is free, climbing the tower costs €2.50 for adults and €1 for kids, including an information leaflet.
Grote Kerk, Grote Markt 18. This large church right on the central market was built in the 15th century and is dedicated to the archangel Michael. Already weakened by repeated lightning strikes, the tall church tower (the highest tower in the country at the time) collapsed in a 1682 storm. The church has Sunday services and is not open for visitors during the week.
- Bevrijdingsfestival Overijssel, Park de Wezenlanden. 11.00 - 00.00. The annual Zwolle edition of the Dutch "Liberation Festivals" is one of the largest in the country. Some 16 cities throughout the Netherlands organize these events on the 5th of May, with lead artist hopping from one to the other in helicopters. In recent years, around 150.000 people headed to Park de Wezenlanden, the festival ground for Zwolle, to see a range of Dutch artists perform in celebration of the Dutch liberation in 1945 and freedom in general. Coins to buy food and drinks cost €2,50. Get some when entering, as the lines on the festival grounds can be pretty long. Free entry.
Bevrijdingsfestival Overijssel, Park de Wezenlanden. 11.00 - 00.00. The annual Zwolle edition of the Dutch "Liberation Festivals" is one of the largest in the country. Some 16 cities throughout the Netherlands organize these events on the 5th of May, with lead artist hopping from one to the other in helicopters. In recent years, around 150.000 people headed to Park de Wezenlanden, the festival ground for Zwolle, to see a range of Dutch artists perform in celebration of the Dutch liberation in 1945 and freedom in general. Coins to buy food and drinks cost €2,50. Get some when entering, as the lines on the festival grounds can be pretty long. Free entry.
Zwolle serves as a regional centre for shopping and there's a wide selection of shops. You'll find all the chain stores that other large Dutch cities have, as well as a range of smaller boutiques and family shops. Combined with the pleasant atmosphere and ample cafés and restaurants, there's plenty of opportunity for a fun day of shopping.
The Diezerstraat is the centre of the shopping area, with surrounding streets offering plenty of choice. For smaller shops and more exclusive fashion boutiques, try the Luttekestraat, Sassenstraat or Melkmarkt The Assendorperstraat or Thorbeckegracht have some interesting picks as well.
Shops open their doors on every first Sunday of the month. On Friday morning (08.00 - 13.00) and Saturday (09.00 - 17.00) there are markets in the city centre, around the Melkmarkt, Grote Markt and adjoining streets.
- Kota Radja, Melkmarkt 50, +31 38 421 35 34. Tu-Su 16.00-23.00. This Asian-fusion place is so popular, it's almost always packed. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on weekends, but even then you might have to wait for your table. It's not the setting or service people come for; it's the food. You pick small dishes from an extensive menu, in five rounds. The concept works much like an all-you-can-eat sushi place (and sushi is among the options), with dishes arriving when they're ready. €26.
- Os en Peper, Ossenmarkt 7/8, +31 38 421 19 48. Tu-Su 18.00-21.30. A cosy restaurant with a small but excellent French inspired menu. 3 courses €32.50, 4 courses €42.50.
- Vidiveni Bistronomie, Jufferenwal 17, +31 38 421 19 95. Tu-Sa 9.00-22.00. A bistro with a mission, located in a charming historic building. It serves high-quality bistro dishes, prepared with seasonal produce, but also offers a work and learn environment for students who face trouble entering the job market. The service is very friendly and many of the dishes have an interesting twist. It serves lunch (or even late breakfast) and dinner. Also a nice place for a cup of coffee with cake. lunch dishes from €6, dinner mains from €18..
- De Librije, Broerenkerkplein 13, +31 38 4212083. This 3 Michelin star place might be the most famous restaurant in the country and is owned by celebrity chef Johnnie Boer and his wife. One of only two restaurants in the country to hold 3 stars, this is the top of haute cuisine cooking in the Netherlands. Service works as a well-oiled machine. Of course, it comes at a price and especially for dinner, make sure to make reservations - preferably well ahead. €140.
Kota Radja, Melkmarkt 50, +31 38 421 35 34. Tu-Su 16.00-23.00. This Asian-fusion place is so popular, it's almost always packed. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on weekends, but even then you might have to wait for your table. It's not the setting or service people come for; it's the food. You pick small dishes from an extensive menu, in five rounds. The concept works much like an all-you-can-eat sushi place (and sushi is among the options), with dishes arriving when they're ready. €26.
Os en Peper, Ossenmarkt 7/8, +31 38 421 19 48. Tu-Su 18.00-21.30. A cosy restaurant with a small but excellent French inspired menu. 3 courses €32.50, 4 courses €42.50.
Vidiveni Bistronomie, Jufferenwal 17, +31 38 421 19 95. Tu-Sa 9.00-22.00. A bistro with a mission, located in a charming historic building. It serves high-quality bistro dishes, prepared with seasonal produce, but also offers a work and learn environment for students who face trouble entering the job market. The service is very friendly and many of the dishes have an interesting twist. It serves lunch (or even late breakfast) and dinner. Also a nice place for a cup of coffee with cake. lunch dishes from €6, dinner mains from €18..
De Librije, Broerenkerkplein 13, +31 38 4212083. This 3 Michelin star place might be the most famous restaurant in the country and is owned by celebrity chef Johnnie Boer and his wife. One of only two restaurants in the country to hold 3 stars, this is the top of haute cuisine cooking in the Netherlands. Service works as a well-oiled machine. Of course, it comes at a price and especially for dinner, make sure to make reservations - preferably well ahead. €140.
The old centre is full of small and large cafés, perfect for some drinks and a good conversation. When the weather allows, outdoor terraces fill up. Thursday - Saturday, there are several dance clubs to choose from.
- Club 38, Grote Markt 13. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 5am, this place offers serious dance music in the middle of town.
Club 38, Grote Markt 13. Open only on Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 5am, this place offers serious dance music in the middle of town.
There are a number of bookstores and supermarkets that sell stamps. For other post office services, try one of the following mail service points:
- Multicopy, Gasthuisplein 16. Mo 12.00-18.00, Tu-Fri 09.30-12.30 & 13.00-18.00, Sa 10.00-17.00. A copyshop that doubles as a post office, providing all the regular services in both categories.
- Primera, Luttekestraat 52. Mo 12.00-18.00, Tu, We, Fr 09.00-18.00, Th 09.00-21.00, Sa 09.30-17.00. This bookstore has a post service desk as well, and also sells post cards.
Multicopy, Gasthuisplein 16. Mo 12.00-18.00, Tu-Fri 09.30-12.30 & 13.00-18.00, Sa 10.00-17.00. A copyshop that doubles as a post office, providing all the regular services in both categories.
Primera, Luttekestraat 52. Mo 12.00-18.00, Tu, We, Fr 09.00-18.00, Th 09.00-21.00, Sa 09.30-17.00. This bookstore has a post service desk as well, and also sells post cards.
Although much smaller, the nearby city of Kampen has a comparable historic feel. Easy as transportation is from here, the lively student city of Groningen, historic Amersfoort or Utrecht are just a few train stops away. If you're travelling with children, consider hopping over to nearby Apeldoorn, to see the great range of primates in the Apenheul, or for a broader selection of animals consider the famous zoo of Emmen. Walibi Theme Park in Biddinghuizen is only half an hour's drive from here.