Zwolle online travel guide
Zwolle online travel guide - Hanseatic and fortress city
The authentic city of Zwolle, adorned with numerous historical buildings, ensures you will constantly find yourself looking around in awe. What adds to the cosiness of the city centre are the charming streets, seamlessly merging with numerous shops and cafés. Admire parts of the old city wall and walk through the 15th-century Sassenpoort. Have a look at my Zwolle online travel guide!
Online Travel Guide
Hanseatic and fortress city
The beautiful and historic city of Zwolle is both a Hanseatic and a fortress city. After a fire in the 14th century, the decision was made to fortify the city with walls and build city gates as entry points. Nowadays, only the Sassenpoort remains and is proudly listed on UNESCO. You can still find remnants of the old city wall in the city and also the Pelser Tower in the city wall.
Canals of Zwolle
Because Zwolle is a fortified town, a canal surrounds the city centre. This allows you to enjoy the water in summer, whether you are into paddleboarding, renting a boat, pedalling a water bike, or canoeing.
Market days in this Zwolle online travel guide
The market in Zwolle city centre takes place on Friday mornings and Saturday during the day. On both days, there is a general market with a wide range of products, such as fish and snacks. You will also find an organic market on Friday mornings.
Sights in this Zwolle online travel guide
St Michael’s Church
In the heart of the city centre, at the Grote Markt, you will find the St Michael’s Church, known as: ‘Grote Kerk’ in Dutch. Built in the 15th century, it once had a tower standing at 120 metres until it collapsed due to lightning strikes.
Peperbus
As soon as you walk into the city centre, you notice it almost immediately, the unusual church tower stands out above many buildings. Originally named ‘Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren’, it is also known as the ‘Peperbus’ due to its shape. A peperbus literally means: Pepper pot. For a few euros, you can climb the 236 steps to reach the first balcony. From a height of 51 metres, enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the city.
Museum de Fundatie
South of the city centre, you will find Museum de Fundatie. It will not escape your notice as you walk by, as the giant pillars remind you of Roman architecture. On top of the museum, you will find a gigantic dome, which in turn looks futuristic. Originally built as a courthouse in the 19th century, step into a world of fine art, featuring works by Dutch artists like van Gogh and Piet Mondrian.
Herman Brood - Zwolle online travel guide
The renowned Dutch painter and singer Herman Brood originated from Zwolle. The city is therefore home to the Herman Brood Museum, showcasing many of his magnificent works.
Zwolle Ice Sculpture Festival
Every year, Zwolle unveils a spectacular ice sculpture festival featuring meticulously hand-carved creations by talented artists. While the exhibition is located outside the city centre, it is definitely worth a visit. Read more about it in my Ice Sculpture Festival Zwolle article.
Celebrating carnival in Zwolle?
In the Netherlands, carnival is mainly celebrated below the major rivers, which primarily refers to the southern part of the country. Therefore, we were also surprised to find it being a big celebration in Zwolle when we arrived there for the carnival. Keep in mind that you have to dress up if you want to enter certain cafés; not everything is accessible for the ‘regularly dressed guest’ at that time. The city centre is transformed into a huge festival during the carnival festivities.
Restaurants in this Zwolle online travel guide
Zwolle boasts a diverse range of restaurants; here are some of my favourites in my Zwolle online travel guide:
- JaffaJaffa: A trendy street food restaurant where you can enjoy various global bites to share.
- Het Beugeltje: Just behind JaffaJaffa, discover a charming Dutch coffee house located in an old tower by the water.
- Iliana’s Greek Street food: Initially looking authentically Greek with a somewhat unassuming snack bar setup, the food here is unbelievably delicious and affordable. You will taste the true Greek flavours as they source ingredients from Greece, making this place worth a visit.
- Bai Yok: For the ultimate Thai experience, head to Bai Yok, serving authentic Thai dishes presented traditionally.
- Bistro Pampus: A delightful French kitchen with a wide selection of appetisers, main courses, and desserts.
- Het Vliegende Paard: Tasty, generous, and straightforward dishes at affordable prices. Additionally, there’s something happening every day of the week, such as live music, a pub quiz, and a dance café on weekends.
- Restaurant Poppe: for a culinary experience with delicious matching wines, a feast for the taste buds.
- The Dublin House: an atmospheric pub, with a wide range of whiskies and tasty homemade cocktails.
Last update: 08-02-2024 © Doris Leone
