Zwolle, Hanseatic city on the IJssel

Zwolle originated in the Middle Ages. The city was built on a cover sand ridge between the IJssel and the Overijsselse Vecht directly on the much smaller river Aa. The landscape here was higher than the lower swampy landscape and was also called a “suol” at the time. Even today, the sand ridge is still visible due to the height differences in the city. The area itself has been inhabited for much longer than the city of Zwolle. Excavations have shown that people were already living in this area in what is called the “young stone age”. Nomadic tribes were already living on the sand ridges at that time. These tribes were called Isalavolk after the Latin name for the river IJssel.

Thanks to the history of the Middle Ages and the 80-year war, Zwolle has a rich selection of sights. Anyone who wants to do a day in Zwolle will discover that you have to make choices because you cannot see everything in one day. If you want to visit Zwolle, you better take a few days off. Zwolle and the surrounding areas are full of historic sights. However, the city of Zwolle is so much more.

In Zwolle you will find culinary delights at Hotel/Restaurant de Librije, but the city also has many terraces and bars throughout the city. Zwolle has a welcoming and cozy atmosphere and has plenty of activities to offer both during the day and in the evening.

Zwolle has a large number of cultural institutions such as the Schouwburg, the Stadskamer with its library, the Filmhuis, various museums and the art lending project. In addition to Hanseatic City, Zwolle is certainly an event city. A large number of events are planned throughout the year, all of which have a link with culture, sports and music. Furthermore, Zwolle is a bustling city where you can sit on a terrace or go shopping. The city is easily accessible and there are also plenty of parking facilities in and around the city.

Are you looking for culinary Zwolle? Then visit one of the many atmospheric restaurants and cafés in Zwolle. Many menus have delicious regional dishes and delicacies. You can eat well in many places at the local pub’s pub table or in one of the many eateries. Zwolle is generally known for its many pure flavors. The Zwolle Mustard, Zwolse Balletjes and Zwolse Whiskey are a good example of this.

Zwolle is the city that has everything you would expect from a modern city, yet the city has managed to retain its intimacy from the past. Real characteristics of the city are for example the age-old facades, but also the age-old city wall with its towers and certainly the 600-year-old city gate Sassenpoort are absolute characteristics of the city. But also the star-shaped city moat with very impressive mansions and trees alongside it, or the beautiful avenues that the city is rich in and certainly also the beautiful defenses invite you to go on an exploration of the city.

Another characteristic building for the city is De Peperbustoren. This tower protrudes 75 meters above the city and is part of the “Onze Lieve Vrouwenbasiliek”. The Peperbus tower has been an eye catcher since the 14th century. The tower can be viewed and also climbed, which gives you a truly beautiful view of the city of Zwolle.

Near Zwolle is the town of Hattem. This is where the Dutch Bakery Museum is located. The museum is housed in three historic buildings. Visitors can learn everything there is to know about bread and pastry in the Netherlands. The bread is also for sale in the store that is completely furnished to the interior from 1900. Children are also thought of at the Bakery Museum. Children can come here every Saturday to help with baking bread and pastry.