Zwolle Attractions
Zwolle, capital of the province of Overijssel, lies on the Zwarte Water (Black Water), a small stream which flows 20km/12.5mi northwest to join the Zwarte Meer, an inlet on the IJsselmeer, a few miles east of the IJssel. It is the economic and cultural center of an extensive region which takes in parts of Drenthe, the Veluwe and the adjoining Northeast Polder. It has many local government and other offices, higher educational establishments and important commercial houses. Its cattle market, one of the largest in the Netherlands, is of more than regional importance. Zwolle is also a considerable industrial town (vehicle assembly, engineering, foodstuffs, building materials, textiles, woodworking, leather-working, chemicals).
Zwolle first appears in the records in 1040. It consisted of three neighboring communes, two of which were granted municipal charters in 1230. Zwolle became a member of the Hanseatic League in 1348. In 1572 it was taken by William the Silent, and in 1579 it joined the Union of Utrecht.
Zwolle first appears in the records in 1040. It consisted of three neighboring communes, two of which were granted municipal charters in 1230. Zwolle became a member of the Hanseatic League in 1348. In 1572 it was taken by William the Silent, and in 1579 it joined the Union of Utrecht.
Bethlehemskerk
To the east of the Town Hall is the little Bethlehemskerk (14th C.), originally the church of an Augustinian house.
Blue Finger Days
Blauwvinger-Dagen is an annual summer festival which runs in July. A traditional craft market as well as concerts of folk song, music and dance combine to provide entertainment for everyone.
Church of Our Lady
To the west of the Grote Markt lies the Ossemarkt, in which is the 15th century Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady; R.C.), with a 19m/62ft high tower known as the Peperbus ("Pepper-Box"; fine panoramic views).
Church of St Michael
On the northeastern edge of the town stands the Roman Catholic parish church of St Michael (1964). In the porch is the grave-slab of St Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), author of "The Imitation of Christ", who lived in a monastery on the Agnietenberg (3km/2mi northeast of Zwolle; monument) from 1407 until his death.
Dedemsvaart - Tuinen van Mien Ruys, Netherlands
(Near Zwolle)
The garden in Dedemsvaart, Tuinen van Mien Ruys, designed by famed garden designer Mien Ruys, will be of interest to plant or garden lovers. The village is located along a canal that was begun in 1809.
Hours
April 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 13:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
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Guard House
Built on to the north side of the Grote Kerk in Zwolle is the picturesque Renaissance Hoofdwacht (Guard House; 1614).
Hall of the States
Running east from the Grote Markt is Zwolle's principal shopping street, Diezerstraat, on the right-hand side of which is the neo-Gothic Statenzaal (Hall of the States; 1898).
International Guitar Festival
The Zwolle International Guitar Festival is held for one week in November.
Liberation Day Festival
Liberation Day, May 5th is celebrated in various locations throughout the Netherlands. One of the biggest celebrations is in Zwolle. The Liberation Day Festival show cases bands and other types of entertainment.
Liberation Day Festival in Zwolle
Zwolle, Overijssel
Netherlands
Zwolle, Overijssel
Netherlands
Midsummer Festival
Midzommerfestival festival takes place in late June and includes over 100 performances on 15 different stages. Concerts include pop, jazz, folk, and blues performers, as well as brass and classical bands. Dozens of theatrical performances are also held both indoors and outdoors during the festival.
Netherlands Jazz Festival
The Netherlands Jazz Festival usually takes place during the first weekend in September. Indoor and outdoor concerts are staged, and feature all types of jazz, ranging from blues to Dixieland to modern. Some of the venues used for the concert are the Schouwburg Odeon and the Papenstraattheater.
Overijssel Provincial Museum
In a 16th century house at Voorstraat 34 is the Provincial Museum, which has a series of rooms furnished in different styles, from Gothic to Art Nouveau. There is an interesting archaeological collection in the vaulted cellars.
The history of the province of Overijssel in general and of its capital Zwolle in particular is visualized, from archaeology to the patriotic movement of the 18th century.
The history of the province of Overijssel in general and of its capital Zwolle in particular is visualized, from archaeology to the patriotic movement of the 18th century.
Provincial Museum of Overijssel
Melkmarkt 41
Zwolle, Overijssel 8001 BC
Netherlands
Melkmarkt 41
Zwolle, Overijssel 8001 BC
Netherlands
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 13:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Sassenpoort
At the end of Sassenstraat rises the Sassenpoort (Saxon Gate; 1408) with its five spires, from which there is a good view of the Burgemeester van Roijensingel.
Schnitger Concerts
Recitals on the Schnitger organ in St Michael's Church.
The concerts are held throughout July and August.
The concerts are held throughout July and August.
Town Hall
South of the church, at the corner of Sassenstraat, stands the 15th century Zwolle Town Hall (Stadhuis), with the magnificent Schepenzaal (Magistrates' Hall), now the Marriage Hall.
