Zwolle: A Whirlwind Adventure for the Family

Discover Zwolle: A Family Adventure in the Heart of The Netherlands.

19 July 2023

Experience the charm of the Netherlands with a family-friendly trip to Zwolle. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic city center and admire the beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Engage your children with interactive exhibits at the innovative Museum de Fundatie or enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the picturesque canals - Zwolle has something to offer for everyone.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Charm of Zwolle

  • Start the day by checking into your family-friendly hotel, Aardige Zwollenaren, where the staff welcomes you with hearty hellos and gummy worm candies!
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center, where adorable Dutch houses seem to whisper tales from centuries past.
  • Visit Museum de Fundatie, a quirky art museum housed in a stunning castle-like building. Marvel at modern masterpieces as your kids embarrassingly try to re-enact their favorite paintings.
  • Tick off a must-see landmark with a climb up the Peperbus (Pepperpot) tower. Sweaty palms and gasping breaths are rewarded with astonishing views of the city and, oddly enough, the chance to spot some flying pigs.
  • Satisfy your hunger at the Pancake Boat Zwolle, where fluffy Dutch pancakes meet a cruise on the river IJssel. Watch your kids stack their pancakes as tall as they can manage without toppling over – and don't forget the maple syrup!
  • End the day at Theater De Spiegel for a magical performance. Lose yourselves in the enchanting world of captivating theater, where imaginations soar higher than the cotton candy clouds above.
Day 2

Outdoor Adventures & Culinary Delights

  • Immerse yourself in lush greenery at Wijthmenerplas, a stunning recreational area just outside the city. Sunbathe on the sandy beach while your kids build exquisite sandcastles – and maybe even a sand pyramid or two.
  • Pedal through the picturesque Dutch countryside on rented bikes from Fietsverhuur Zwolle. Explore the surrounding farmlands, stopping to say hello to the cows and sheep grazing on the endless fields – they may even tell you their deepest secrets!
  • Fill your growling stomachs at Brasserie Jansen, a hip eatery showcasing local flavors. Indulge in hearty lunch platters filled with artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and bread as soft as a freshly hugged pillow.
  • Wander around the enchanting Sassenpoort, one of the few remaining medieval city gates in the Netherlands. Pretend you're a knight or a princess defending the castle – or just admire its architectural charm, because who needs a time machine when history is right in front of you?
  • Treat your sweet tooth at Bonbonnerie Borrel, a chocolate haven tucked away in the heart of Zwolle. Savor treats as if ageless wisdom is contained in each bite, sprinkled with an extra scoop of pure joy.
  • End the trip with a ride on the Zwolse Balletjeshuis Carousel, a whimsical merry-go-round where giant candies sway and twirl to cheery music. Spin around and let laughter become a soundtrack to remember your fun-filled family getaway.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Zwolle by plane is to fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and take a direct train from the airport station to Zwolle Central Station. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Car

Zwolle is easily accessible by car from all directions, thanks to its location at the intersection of several major highways. The A28 motorway runs directly through Zwolle and provides easy access from cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Groningen.

Train

Zwolle has excellent train connections from all over the Netherlands. The best option is to take an Intercity train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zwolle Central Station, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Boat

While there are no direct water connections to Zwolle, it is possible to arrive by boat via the Overijsselse Vecht. The best option is to moor your boat at one of the many small harbours along the river and take a local bus or taxi to Zwolle city centre, which is around a 10-15 minute drive away.

Bus

Zwolle is well-served by long-distance bus services, with connections to many destinations in the Netherlands and beyond. The best way to get there by bus is to take a Flixbus or Eurolines coach which departs from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and arrives at Zwolle bus station. The journey time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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Zwolle: A Whirlwind Adventure for the Family

Experience the charm of the Netherlands with a family-friendly trip to Zwolle. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic city center and admire the beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Engage your children with interactive exhibits at the innovative Museum de Fundatie or enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the picturesque canals - Zwolle has something to offer for everyone.

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Zwolle, Netherlands offers budget-friendly accommodation choices ranging from hostels to budget hotels and Airbnbs. The historic city is renowned for its picturesque canals and Dutch architecture, as well as its numerous museums, including the famous Stedelijk Museum. For those on a limited budget, sampling traditional Dutch cuisine at one of the local food markets is a must.

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Zwolle is a charming Dutch city located in the province of Overijssel. Visitors can explore the beautiful historic center, where they will find picturesque canals, ornate buildings and quaint shops and cafes. Must-see attractions include the Sassenpoort Gate, Museum de Fundatie and the Grote Kerk.

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