Things To Do
in Zwolle
Zwolle is a picturesque city located in the eastern Netherlands, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The city is home to important historical sites such as the Sassenpoort, a 15th-century gatehouse, and the Grote Kerk, a stunning gothic church. Zwolle is also famous for its beautiful canals, which are lined with charming cafes and shops.
Overall, Zwolle offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Tot ziens" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic city center. Stroll through the quaint streets and enjoy breakfast at a local café.
Visit the Museum de Fundatie to admire its impressive art collection. Take a leisurely walk around the beautiful park nearby.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant. Afterward, relax with a drink at a cozy bar in the city center.
Rent a bike and start your adventure around Zwolle's picturesque countryside. Stop by a local bakery for a delicious pastry.
Cycle to the nearby Zalkerbos forest and enjoy a picnic in nature. Take some time to explore the trails and enjoy the fresh air.
Return to Zwolle and treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a local eatery. Spend the evening tasting local beers at a nearby brewery.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historic architecture
- Beautiful parks and waterfront areas for outdoor activities
- Vibrant local arts scene and festivals throughout the year
- Well-connected transport system, including train services
- Variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to different tastes
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities
- Can be less vibrant during the winter months
- Higher cost of living in certain neighborhoods
- Public transport can be crowded during peak times
- Fewer international schools and amenities for expatriates
Best Activities in Zwolle
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a relaxing picnic in this beautiful park with lush greenery, open spaces, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Take a leisurely bike ride along the scenic IJssel River and enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
Explore the charming city of Zwolle from a different perspective with a boat tour through its historic canals and waterways.
Tours
Uncover the best of Zwolle with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Zwolle
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
A medieval gate with excellent views of the old town and canals.
Scenic castle grounds with picturesque surroundings ideal for photography.
Food in Zwolle
Zwolle Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Stoofpeertjes are delicious stewed pears, often flavored with cinnamon, red wine, and spices. They are a popular accompaniment to many Dutch dishes. For an authentic taste, try them at De Librije, a renowned restaurant in Zwolle.
Must-Try!
Zwolse Balletjes, or 'Zwolle Balls', are tasty caramel candies with a hint of mint. You can find these delightful sweets at local confectionery shops and the Zwolle tourist information center.
This traditional pastry, made with puff pastry, almond paste, and whipped cream, is a must-try dessert in Zwolle. Head to one of the local bakeries or coffee shops to savor this sweet treat.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Zwolle better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Zwolle Market is the perfect place to sample a variety of local street foods, including kibbeling (battered and fried fish), stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies with caramel syrup), and poffertjes (mini pancakes). The market is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Take a stroll along Thorbeckegracht to discover food stalls offering delectable street food options such as fresh herring, Dutch fries with mayonnaise, and bitterballen (crispy meat-based snacks).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Zwolle, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, especially when meeting someone for the first time. It is also polite to address people by their titles and surnames, unless invited to use their first names.
Dutch people generally value their personal space, so it's important to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others. Avoid standing too close or initiating physical contact without permission.
Zwolle prides itself on its diverse and inclusive culture. It's essential to show respect for different lifestyles, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. Avoid making assumptions about others and be open to understanding and embracing diversity.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Zwolle with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Zwolle
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Zwolle, Netherlands is not obligatory, as a service charge is often included in the bill. However, it is common to round up the bill or add a small amount as a token of appreciation for good service.
In Zwolle, Netherlands, cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. Contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular, and most businesses and restaurants accept major international credit cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Zwolle.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather, blooming flowers and trees, and outdoor festivals.
Warm temperatures, longer days, and lively outdoor events and markets.
Cooler weather, changing foliage, and cultural events.
Cold temperatures, Christmas markets, and winter sports activities.
Zwolle at Night
Hiking in Zwolle
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful area featuring hiking trails along the water and through nature. Ideal for nature lovers seeking scenic views.
A picturesque valley offering various trails that meander alongside the Regge River, perfect for walking and enjoying the local flora and fauna.
This national park is a network of waterways and wetlands with marked hiking trails. It provides opportunities to see wildlife and experience the peaceful landscape.
A stunning natural area with trails that allow you to hike along the river, taking in the idyllic surroundings of the wetlands.
Located a bit further, this national park boasts rolling hills and heather fields, providing a unique hiking experience with panoramic views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Zwolle through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Zwolle by plane.
The main international airport serving the Netherlands, located approximately 120 km from Zwolle.
A major airport located about 140 km from Zwolle, serving low-cost airlines and offering flights to various destinations.
Situated around 100 km from Zwolle, this airport serves parts of both Germany and the Netherlands.
Located approximately 160 km from Zwolle, this airport offers both domestic and international flights.
A smaller airport around 20 km from Zwolle, mainly servicing general aviation and some commercial flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Zwolle, comprising a significant portion of the population.
A notable demographic group within Zwolle, primarily consisting of first and second-generation immigrants.
Another significant group with roots in Morocco, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
This group includes individuals with Surinamese heritage, adding to the multicultural makeup of Zwolle.
Includes immigrants from various Eastern European countries, particularly those who have moved to the Netherlands for work.
A smaller group compared to others, consisting of people with Indonesian backgrounds, often linked to historical ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
This category includes various other ethnic groups from around the world, contributing to the cultural diversity in Zwolle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Zwolle, with many local clubs and a strong following for the professional team PEC Zwolle.
Field hockey is widely played in Zwolle, with several clubs and active participation in local and regional leagues.
Handball has a growing presence in Zwolle, with club teams competing in both youth and adult leagues.
Volleyball is popular among both men and women, with various clubs offering recreational and competitive play.
Basketball enjoys popularity in Zwolle, with teams at different levels and increasing youth participation.
Cycling is a favored recreational activity in Zwolle, supported by the city’s bike-friendly infrastructure and scenic routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zwolle.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Zwolle offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, often incorporating fresh produce and innovative meat alternatives. Popular choices include the vegan beetroot burger at Brasserie Jansen and the vegetarian tasting menu at De Librije.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find several gluten-free dining options in Zwolle. Restaurants like Ingeburgerd and Bij Hartje Zwolle provide gluten-free alternatives for burgers, sandwiches, and other menu items.