A Fun Weekend in Zwolle: Travel Guide

Explore the charming old town of Zwolle and immerse yourself in the art, culture, and history of the Netherlands.

03 May 2023

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.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Zwolle's Historic Center

  • Hotel Stay: Librije's Hotel, a luxurious hotel located in a converted 18th-century prison
  • Start the day with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake at Brasserie Jansen
  • Visit the Museum de Fundatie, a stunning museum with a variety of art and a roof terrace with panoramic views of the city
  • Take a walk through the charming streets of Zwolle's historic center, admiring the beautiful architecture
  • Stop for lunch at the cozy Ingeburgerd, where you can enjoy a delicious burger and a local beer
  • Check out the Sassenpoort, a medieval city gate that dates back to the 14th century
  • End the day with a fancy dinner at Librije's Zusje, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative cuisine.
Day 2

Nature and Adventure in Zwolle

  • Hotel Stay: Hotel Lumen, a sleek and modern hotel located on the edge of the city, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside
  • Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Brass Boer, a farm-to-table restaurant located on the grounds of Zwolle's city farm
  • Head to the Wezenlandenpark, a beautiful park located just a short walk from the city center, where you can go for a stroll, have a picnic, or rent a bike or boat
  • Go on an adventure at the Avontuurlijk overnachten, a unique camping experience where you can sleep overnight in a treehouse or a glamping tent
  • For lunch, try the delicious sandwiches and smoothies at Sapori e Ricordi, a cozy cafe with a charming courtyard
  • Spend the afternoon hiking or biking through the nearby nature reserve of de Veluwe, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy stunning views of the countryside
  • End the day with dinner at De Agnietenberg, a restaurant located on a former monestary, where you can enjoy delicious French and Mediterranean cuisine in a serene setting.

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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