You're Going to Love Zwolle
The capital of the Netherlands' Overijssel province, Zwolle was once a mighty trading port. Now it's a beautiful city of around 125,000 people that can be explored by bike. Plenty of festivals, activities to enjoy, and historical museums make it a town that punches well above its weight.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Zwolle
1. The Medieval Center
In the 14th century, Zwolle was the hub of the Hanseatic League, growing rich trading across the Baltic and North sea region. These days the medieval core is almost intact, and landmarks like the Pepperbox Tower offer a portal back in time that few other cities can match.
2. There Are Some Fantastic Museums
Check out the City Museum (housed in the Drostenhuis, an opulent 18th-century mansion), and don't miss the Museum De Fundatie, one of the finest contemporary art spaces in the Netherlands.
3. Festivals for Foodies, Theater Fans, and Music Lovers
Zwolle has a busy events schedule. From dance events like Kingdance, to the Bevrijdingsfestival (which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany), and June's Vier Oost theater festival, there are events for everyone.
4. It's a Wonderful Place to Explore
One of the great things about Zwolle is how accessible it is. The core can be explored on foot, but there's a 30-mile-long cycle route around the city center, and you can even rent "water bikes" to navigate the town's canals.
5. There Are Plenty of Day Trip Destinations
Giethoorn is just a few miles to the north and is a real treat. Lacking any roads, it solely relies on canals - just like Venice. Kampen is close by too, another Hanseatic port, with a remarkable drawbridge and a quaint medieval center.
When to Visit Zwolle
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Zwolle's best tourist season is summer. From June to September, you can enjoy the cycle paths, swim at lakeside beaches, and attend most of the city's festivals.
How to Get to Zwolle
Plane
Eelde Airport (GRQ) is the nearest to Zwolle, but it's actually quicker to travel from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Just take the Dutch Railways service straight to the city (1 hour 24 minutes, EUR17-20).
Train
Trains run into Zwolle from Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and you can reach the city from most major northern European cities.
Car
From Amsterdam take the E30, then the A50 at Apeldoorn.
Airlines serving Zwolle
Where to stay in popular areas of Zwolle
How to Get Around Zwolle
Public Transportation
Local buses are operated by Syntus and provide pretty good coverage. To ride them, you'll need to get an OV-chipkaart. After that, a single journey will cost EUR1.50.
Taxi
Taxis should charge a flag drop of around EUR5, followed by around EUR3 per mile.
Car
Car rental options include Hertz and Europcar, and rates can be as low as EUR8 per day.
The Cost of Living in Zwolle
Shopping Streets
Modern Zwolle continues to be a trading city, with plenty of great stores to explore. Head to the old center and check out boutiques like LIV, September, and La Ropa, or visit the Melkmarkt to find fresh food and drink.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets in Zwolle include Jumbo and Spar, where 12 eggs will come to around EUR2.10.
Where to Eat in Zwolle
For fine Dutch cuisine like mussels in garlic butter or pancakes and asparagus, check out Poppe, and try Het Wijnhuis for a mixture of gourmet food and outstanding wine. Expect meals to cost around EUR25-40.