Zwolle

Zwolle is a beautiful mercantile town with a Medieval centre. It is an excellent destination for a weekend of absorbing culture, shopping and good food. In the Dutch Golden Century, Zwolle rapidly developed into a powerful Hanseatic town, and the resultant wealth and liveliness can still be felt when visiting Zwolle.

• Stroll through the historic inner city and visit the Gothic St Michael’s Church.
• Try such local delicacies as peperbuskaas, balletjes and Blauwvingerkoekjes.
• Admire works by Vincent van Gogh and Piet Mondrian at Museum de Fundatie.

What to do in Zwolle

Zwolle has a Medieval centre, gorgeous theatres, a broad range of shops, excellent hotels and restaurants and many splendid parks. In other words, Zwolle has everything one might expect a modern-day city to have, without compromising the intimacy of its history. The historic facades, city walls and towers, the 600-year-old Sassenpoort gate and star-shaped city moat, flanked by monumental merchant’s homes and trees still characterise this city, and its beautiful alleys and impressive fortifications still beg to be explored.

The main characteristic landmark of Zwolle is the Peperbustoren, or Pepper Mill Tower, the 75-metre-high tower of the Basilica of Our Lady, which has been an eye-catcher since the fourteenth century. If you wish, you can climb the tower – it commands a breath-taking view of the city.

If going on a city trip to Zwolle, there are a number of highlights you cannot afford to miss. The 15th-century Great or St Michael’s Church, to begin with, has a rich cultural and historical past. It is famous for its Gothic architecture, its many monuments and the world-famous four-manual Schnitger organ (1721). Museum De Fundatie has interesting exhibitions to offer, with venues in both Heino and Zwolle. And be sure to drop in at one of the city’s many culinary establishments to try regional produce, such as Zwolle mustard, peperbuskaas (spicy cheese named for the Pepper Mill Tower), balletjes and Blauwvingerkoekjes.

Where to eat in Zwolle

Restaurant de Hofvlietvilla (Pannekoekendijk 6) is located in an old villa by Zwolle’s moat, with a splendid terrace by the water’s edge. You are also certain to enjoy Pestengasthuys (Weversgildeplein 1), which serves very enjoyable courses.  In the brasserie corner, there is Brasserie Jansen (Nieuwe Markt 14), located in a number of ancient buildings, and it has exceptionally friendly. The meatball on the menu uses the recipe of chef Johnnie Boer (owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant De Librije *** in Zwolle).

Accommodation

Zwolle has a lot of great hotels and bed and breakfasts where you can stay when visiting this historic city. Check out our offerings here.