Things To Do
in Oldenzaal
Oldenzaal is a historic Hanseatic town in Overijssel, located just east of Enschede along the Dinkel river. Its compact center features a lively market square, a string of gabled houses, and the impressive St Plechelmus Basilica. The town serves as a gateway to the Twente countryside, offering pleasant cycling routes, canal-side strolls, and easy day trips.
Visitors are drawn to the welcoming atmosphere, local cafés, and a blend of medieval charm with modern Dutch hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Oldenzaal and get settled into your accommodations. Explore the charming streets of the town, taking in the local architecture and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café to start your day.
Visit the Oldenzaal City Museum to learn about the rich history of the area and appreciate local artworks. Afterward, stroll through the beautiful city park, enjoying the lush greenery and tranquility. Stop at a local bakery to try some traditional Dutch pastries.
Wind down your day with dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant, savoring local dishes made with fresh ingredients. Enjoy a quiet walk through the town, where you can admire the beautifully illuminated buildings. Consider visiting a local pub for live music or a cozy nightcap.
Take a morning trip to De Lutte, a nearby nature reserve known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by the serene beauty of the Dutch countryside. Engage in some light hiking to shake off the travel fatigue.
Continue exploring the reserve with guided tours available that highlight the area's flora and fauna. You may find hidden gems such as charming lakes and vibrant flower fields. Stop for lunch at a local café known for its rustic dishes.
Return to Oldenzaal for a relaxing evening. Dine at a seafood restaurant where you can try the catch of the day. After dinner, take in the sunset at the scenic viewpoint overlooking the countryside.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚌One-way local transport | $2-3 |
| 🏨Hotel per night | $90-150 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly) | $60-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact historic center ideal for walking
- Scenic Twente countryside nearby
- Friendly locals and safe environment
- Excellent bike infrastructure
- Limited big-city nightlife
- Some services operate in Dutch; English is common but not universal in rural spots
- Weather can be unpredictable; carry layers
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Tot ziens" - Goodbye
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Oldenzaal
Visit one of these nice places.
Gothic architecture and ornate interiors provide striking subject matter, especially in the soft light of dawn or dusk.
Colorful façades and cobbled streets create classic Oldenzaal imagery, ideal for wide-angle and detail shots.
Water reflections and quaint bridges along the Dinkel offer tranquil compositions, particularly during golden hour.
Narrow lanes and traditional gables reveal the town’s medieval charm up close.
Food in Oldenzaal
Oldenzaal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty mash of potatoes with cabbage or kale, served with Dutch smoked sausage; a comfort classic especially in cooler months.
Must-Try!
Thin caramel-filled waffles, a staple treat at bakeries and markets, perfect with coffee or tea.
Classic Dutch apple tart with cinnamon and a crumbly crust; widely available in local cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly local market offering fresh produce, cheese, bread, and ready-to-eat snacks; ideal for sampling Dutch street food.
Casual stalls and food trucks around town offering fries, kroketten, and other Dutch favorites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common when meeting new people; address strangers formally as u in Dutch until invited to use first names.
Keep to the right on bike paths; ring the bell politely to alert pedestrians; use designated bike lanes when available.
Evenings in residential areas are generally calm; avoid loud conversations late at night near homes.
Safety
Tipping in Oldenzaal
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common practice.
Cash is accepted but cards and contactless payments are ubiquitous; most places also support mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with comfortable walking conditions; occasional showers and long evenings are perfect for market visits and outdoor dining.
Mild to cool temperatures with colorful foliage; ideal for countryside walks and café terrace coffee.
Cool to cold with a possibility of rain or light snow; museums and cozy cafés become focal points.
Milder temperatures, blooming trees, and pleasant biking along river paths.
Oldenzaal at Night
Hiking in Oldenzaal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic river valley with easy trails and viewpoints; popular for walking and bird-watching.
Large park area near Oldenzaal with woods, lakes, and running/trail paths.
Gentle, well-marked routes through farmland, forests, and small villages around Oldenzaal.
Airports
How to reach Oldenzaal by plane.
Major international hub, with rail or road connections to the Netherlands that can link you toward Oldenzaal.
Smaller international airport in Germany; a feasible option for European arrivals with ground transfer to the Netherlands.
Smaller Dutch airport; serves seasonal and domestic flights; connect to the Twente region by train or car.
Large German airport with frequent international connections; longer transfer to Oldenzaal.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly locals with a mix of families, students, and seniors.
Nearby universities and colleges in the Twente region attract students who visit Oldenzaal for day trips.
Growing number of international visitors and residents; English is commonly understood in tourist areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular in the region; local clubs and matches are common, offering a chance to experience Dutch football culture.
A staple mode of transport and recreation; the Twente region features extensive, bike-friendly routes.
Common in local clubs and school facilities, with seasonal play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oldenzaal.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer meat-free options; ask for vegetarian dishes or daily specials; stamppot can be made with vegetables like mushrooms or cabbage.