‘A historic city full of character’

Zwolle, the capital of the province of Overijssel, is a town with a rich history. The town, originally a trading town, developed as a result of its situation near different waterways. The liveliness associated with commerce/trading remains a trademark of Zwolle. The town, with it’s medieval town centre, wide range of shops, outstanding hotels and parks, has a great deal to offer visitors. Benefit from the culinary tour de force, enjoy some retail therapy, the museums and ancient alleyways steeped in culture, take a stroll in one of the beautiful parks or visit the theatre. Zwolle has everything you would expect from a modern city whilst retaining the intimacy of its past.

Climb the Peperbus

The history of Zwolle is alive. Traces of the rich past of this Hanseatic town  can be found everywhere. The monumental buildings, the merchant houses, splendid alleyways and impressive fortifications invite you to explorethe town. See the impressive town gate Sassenpoort, visit one of the interesting museums or climb the 75-meter high ‘Peperbustoren’ and enjoy the view.

From bistros to top class restaurants

The town centre with its historical buildings provides the backdrop for many culinary delights. Zwolle has a number of top restaurants including the Librije star restaurant, as well as a wide range of other less exclusive bistros, taverns and restaurants. In Zwolle, the true flamboyant personality will really feel at home.

Retail Therapy…

Find out for yourself how fun shopping is in Zwolle! All of the high street names you would expect from a larger city can be found here in Zwolle. Away from the large shopping streets, there are also many smaller unique shops to be found off the beaten track amongst the alleyways. In brief: shopping in Zwolle is certainly worthwhile.

Zwolle Tourist Information Centre (VVV)

A good start is half the job. Therefore, begin your visit to Zwolle at the tourist information office. Here you can find the following:

• tips for days out and holidays
• activity agendas and event information
• guides, maps, and route planners
• souvenirs and gifts,
• VVV Giftvouchers and other gift vouchers
• Tickets for concerts in the area

Opening Hours

Monday 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Tuesday to Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Grote Kerkplein 15, entrance Sassenstraat
Tel. 0900-1122375 (€ 0.45 /min.)
www.vvvzwolle.nl

Historic Zwolle

The rich history of Zwolle can be found all over the centre. Traces of the historical past of this Hanseatic town are abundant. The historic façades, the defensive wall and towers, the Sassenpoort – the last of eight original city gates – and the star shaped city canal flanked by beautiful old houses and trees, all characteristic of this city. The monumental buildings, the merchants’ house, splendid alleyways and impressive fortifications invite you to explore the town. A city walk, offered by the tourist information centre, provides an opportunity to discover these well kept treasures, either with or without a guide.

Hanseatic Town

Zwolle can attribute its growth and wealth largely to a favourable location with regards to the water. The town was founded in the 8th century, when a number of Friesian merchants settled around a natural harbour basin between two branches of the Zwarte Water river. This basin soon became a real harbour, where merchants built their businesses, warehouses, and homes. Merchants from various trading towns, including Zwolle and Kampen, united during the mid 14th century forming the ‘de Hanze’, growing into a full-fledged town. In the 15th century, Zwolle experienced its ‘Golden Age’, both culturally and religiously. This can still be seen in the impressive merchants’ houses and old churches. Zwolle was an important town for master builders and painters, while also accommodating politicians and religious movements such as the ‘moderne devoten’ (modern devotees). Famous names include Thomas a Kempis and Joan Cele. The Hanseatic union eventually lasted four centuries. The Hanseatic and Thomas a Kempis walks are available from the tourist information office, and give a complete picture of Zwolle’s rich past.

The historic city centre of Zwolle

The history of Zwolle lives on. It can be seen from any corner in the centre, and traces of the glorious past of this hanseatic city can still be found everywhere. The historic facades, wall towers, defensive gates and star-shaped city canal are characteristic of this city. The monumental premises, merchant houses, splendid corridors and impressive fortifications are an invitation to further explore the city. Zwolle reveals all its well-kept treasures for you.