Zwolle is a city and municipality in the Northeastern Netherlands. It is the capital of the province of Overijssel and the province's second-largest municipality, after Enschede, and has a population of 132,441 as of December 2023. Wikipedia
April to September ☀️
Pleasant weather for strolling the old town, cycling, and enjoying outdoor cafés
Summer festivals and markets are in full swing
October to March ❄️
Cooler and quieter, great for museums and cozy indoor activities
Festive December with Christmas markets and lights
Nearest major airports: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) ~1.5 hours by train, Hanze Airport Groningen (smaller)
No direct airport in Zwolle
Excellent rail connections:
From Amsterdam (1 hr 15 min)
From Utrecht (1 hr 10 min)
From Groningen (2 hrs)
Arrive at Zwolle Central Station, just a short walk to the city center
Accessible via A28 motorway
Several parking garages near the historic center
Iconic medieval city gate and symbol of Zwolle’s Hanseatic past
Impressive art museum housed in a former courthouse with an eye-catching modern extension
Features classic and contemporary art collections
Large Gothic church in the city center, with beautiful stained glass and an organ dating back to the 17th century
The city’s largest park, great for walks, picnics, and seasonal events
Popular shopping streets with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants
Explore the historic city walls and gates
Take a walking tour of the old town to discover hidden courtyards and monuments
Visit the weekly market on Saturdays for local products
Cycle along the Zwolle canals or nearby countryside
Attend the Blauwvingerdagen Festival in summer — music, food, and culture
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Ter Borch – elegant, centrally located in a historic building
Post Plaza Hotel & Grand Café – modern and convenient near the station
Hotel Campanile Zwolle – comfortable and affordable, a bit outside city center
Bastion Hotel Zwolle – practical and budget-friendly
De Librije – Michelin 3-star restaurant, world-renowned for its inventive cuisine (book well in advance!)
Olivijn Zwolle – modern European dishes with local ingredients
Bar Loburg – great for brunch, coffee, and casual dining
Restaurant Zusje Zwolle – creative dining experience in a stylish setting
Hof van Zwolle – cozy Dutch cuisine with a contemporary twist
Try Dutch cheeses, smoked sausages, and fresh pastries at the weekly market
Seasonal specialties like asparagus and wild game in spring and autumn
Zwolle proudly celebrates its Hanseatic League heritage with well-preserved medieval architecture
The city is a lively student town with many cultural events, theaters, and galleries
Known for its gastronomic scene, especially the presence of top chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants
Locals enjoy a bike-centric lifestyle, with excellent cycling infrastructure
Annual festivals and events celebrate both history and modern arts