Discover the Peperbus as both a 15th- and 16th-century landmark and a viewpoint: the tower is 75 metres high, and the first gallery is 51 metres above the ground, reached by climbing 236 steps. The Sassenpoort tells another chapter in the city’s history. Built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries as part of the city fortifications, it is the only one of Zwolle’s eight city gates to have survived intact. The historic city can also be seen from the water: boat trips through the canals offer views of the Peperbus and the old city walls.
Art, Churches and City History
Museum de Fundatie is located in the historic city centre. A large oval window offers a view of this part of Zwolle. The collection includes more than 16,000 objects; this figure may change as the collection develops. The art collection and cityscape are thus both in focus during the same visit, though they tell different stories.
At Academiehuis Grote Kerk, different eras meet: the late-medieval city church preserves wall and vault paintings from the Late Middle Ages, as well as furnishings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Special features include the pulpit and the Schnitger organ. Those interested in the city’s history from the perspective of its residents can find a different approach at ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle. It tells the stories of the people who shape Zwolle; archaeological finds and residents’ stories feature in exhibitions at the listed Drostenhuis.
Het Vrouwenhuis is the last hofje in Zwolle founded by a private individual whose original building has been preserved. The ground floor has been a museum since 1987 and is open by appointment. It explores three centuries of domestic and everyday life. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance.
Tours, Craftsmanship and Architecture
Dominicanenklooster Zwolle is a neo-Gothic monastery. A guided tour of the church and cloister takes place on the first Saturday of every month, except January and July. As the programme may change, check the current date before your visit.
The history of De Passiebloem mill dates back to 1776. The wind-powered industrial mill was built to extract oil from oil-rich seeds and/or nuts. Oil is still pressed there using traditional methods, and an active group of volunteers keeps the mill running. Guided tours explain the building, how it works and the entire oil-making process. As tour and opening information may change, it is worth checking visiting options in advance.
Openluchtbad Zwolle also combines recreation with architectural history: the listed complex was built in 1933 in the Nieuwe Bouwen style. It has two 50-metre pools, two shallow pools and two paddling pools; facilities may change. Wijthmenerplas, in turn, is Zwolle’s largest swimming lake and is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. Check the water quality before swimming.
Street Art and Green Routes
Zwolle’s street art comes in many different formats, from large, colourful murals to tiny, detailed illustrations. Mobile art routes guide walkers to the artworks and murals. The Grote Zwolse Street Art Tour is almost 30 kilometres long and passes 47 murals. As artworks may be added or removed and routes may change, check the latest information before setting out.
The river landscape, with its distinctive plants and birds, takes centre stage at Vreugderijkerwaard. You can cycle along the dyke or walk the Laarzenpad. From the observation tower, you can see across an arm of the river. As trail conditions may vary, check them before setting out.
Het Engelse Werk and Spoolderbos each offer a 1- to 5-kilometre walking route. At Het Engelse Werk, the route connects to the dyke; at Spoolderbos, it connects to Het Engelse Werk park. The park was created in the 19th century from former fortifications and has been a nationally protected monument since 1971. Spoolderbos offers a different kind of landscape: this damp, natural woodland park combines forest, open natural grassland and water, and is notable for its high biodiversity. The routes have different settings: here, the history of a park built from fortifications; there, a diverse landscape of forest, grassland and water.
Discover more destinations: Zwolle, Losser, Wierden, Ommen, Dinkelland, Hellendoorn, Deventer, Hengelo.
Return to the main travel overview: Overijssel.
