Discover your perfect stay in Zeewolde.
Discover the most iconic attractions in Zeewolde
Find the perfect place to stay in Zeewolde


Discover curated hotel collections in Zeewolde




































































Questions You Might Need to Know About Traveling to Zeewolde
For boutique stays with historic character, Hotel De Wijde Wereld stands out—nestled in a 17th-century merchant house near Zwolle Cathedral and the Old Town Square. Its original wooden beams, antique furnishings, and private courtyard create an immersive Dutch heritage experience.
Another top choice is B&B De Vliet, housed in a former canal-side warehouse with exposed brick walls and vintage windows. The rooms feature custom-designed textiles inspired by local textile art, and guests enjoy complimentary access to the adjacent Zwolle Heritage Garden. Both properties offer curated walking tours focusing on hidden alleyways and forgotten stories of the city’s past.
The city center around the Old Town Square (Oude Markt) is perfect for first-time visitors. It's within walking distance of Zwolle Railway Station, St. Janskerk Church, and the Zwolle Museum. The area is bustling with cafés, artisan shops, and weekly farmers’ markets offering fresh local cheese, bread, and handmade crafts.
Many hotels here, like Hotel De Oude Molen, provide free bike rentals and digital city guides, making it easy to explore nearby green spaces such as Hoge Veluwe National Park or the Zwarte Water Canal without needing a car.
Tourists should not miss the Zwolle Windmill Festival, held annually in late September, where the Sint Janshuis Windmill opens its doors for interactive workshops on milling grain and weaving traditional linen. Visitors can also join a guided lantern walk through the old streets, ending at a candlelit concert in the Old Town Hall.
Additionally, the Zwolle Folklore Society hosts monthly storytelling evenings featuring tales from the Dutch Golden Age, often accompanied by live harp music and traditional costumes. These intimate events offer deep insight into regional identity and oral tradition.
Yes, Hotel de Oude Molen is a top-rated family-friendly hotel with spacious suites, a children’s playroom, and a private garden with a small playground. Families can rent bikes for free and join the hotel’s "City Explorer" scavenger hunt, which turns sightseeing into a fun adventure.
B&B De Hooiberg offers a family cottage with a fenced yard, barbecue pit, and access to a nearby nature trail. They also organize weekend programs like "Farm-to-Table Cooking for Kids," where children learn to make Dutch pancakes and pick vegetables from their own garden plot.
Absolutely. Most mid-to-high-end hotels in Zwolle, including Hotel De Wijde Wereld and B&B Het Sprookje, provide free bicycle rental with GPS-enabled city maps. Electric bikes are available for longer rides along the Veluwe Route or the scenic Zwarte Water Canal Path.
Some hotels even offer guided cycling tours, such as a 2-hour ride to the Medieval Fortress of Graft or a sunrise tour through the Hoge Veluwe National Park. HopeGoo in advance is recommended during peak season (June–August) to secure availability.
For romance, Hotel De Vliet offers private river-facing balconies with heated tubs and nightly rose petal turndown service. Couples can enjoy a candlelit dinner on the terrace overlooking the Canal of the Roses.
B&B Het Sprookje features themed rooms like "Moonlight Forest" and "Whispering Breeze," each decorated with hand-painted murals and soft lighting. After dinner, couples can book a private moonlit boat tour along the Zwolle Canals, complete with champagne and classical piano music.
Definitely. Hotel De Oude Molen hosts a weekly "Dutch Table Experience" dinner, featuring dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with kale), eel pie, and raw herring with onions, paired with regional wines from the Veluwe Winery.
At B&B De Hooiberg, guests participate in a hands-on "From Farm to Fork" workshop: harvest vegetables, make cheese, and bake apple strudel using ingredients grown in their own organic garden. Breakfast includes freshly baked black rye bread and homemade jam, served with views of the surrounding meadows.
Key landmarks include St. Janskerk Church, home to the tallest church tower in the Netherlands (80 meters), with panoramic views from the bell tower. Inside, admire 16th-century frescoes and stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes.
The Old Town Hall (Oud Raadhuis), dating back to 1470, now houses the Zwolle Municipal Museum, showcasing medieval artifacts, judicial tools, and period costumes. Don’t miss the Grote Gracht Lock, a preserved 17th-century water gate that once controlled river traffic between Amsterdam and the Rhine.
The fastest route is the direct NS train from Schiphol Airport to Zwolle Station, taking just 35 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes and are accessible via the OV-chipkaart or smartphone ticket.
Alternatively, the Airport Express Bus (Flybus) connects to Zwolle every hour, with a journey time of about 45 minutes. Upon arrival, guests can use the Zwolle City Bike system—available at stations—to explore the city center without needing a car.
Yes, Hotel De Wijde Wereld features a tranquil Spa & Wellness Center with a sauna, steam room, and a signature treatment using locally sourced elderflower and chamomile. Guests can book a 60-minute Dutch herbal massage or a relaxation session in the indoor herb garden.
B&B Het Sprookje offers a minimalist wellness retreat with a rooftop hot tub overlooking the canal and a daily yoga session in the garden. Both properties emphasize natural materials, quiet ambiance, and holistic recovery—ideal for travelers seeking mental and physical renewal.
Zwolle, the capital of Overijssel province in the Netherlands, is a picturesque city along the IJssel River. Renowned for its medieval architecture, laid-back charm, and cultural heritage, Zwolle boasts a well-preserved old town with cobblestone streets flanked by Gothic churches and historic merchant houses. As a cradle of art and design, it nurtured members of the De Stijl movement, blending cultural vibrancy with scenic river landscapes.
Must-see attractions:
Culinary highlights: • Local specialties: Zwolse Balletjes (caramel candies) and Overijsselse leverworst (liver sausage) • Iconic eateries: Dutch apple pie at Het Bakkershuys, avant-garde cuisine at 3-Michelin-starred De Librije • Street food: Fresh herring sandwiches (broodje haring) and patat met mayo at Friday markets • Drinks: Local IJsselbier beers or jenever gin at brown cafés like Café de Stadhuys
Transport tips: • Rail: Central station has IC trains to Amsterdam (1.5hr) and Groningen. Rent OV-fiets bikes for city exploration • Bus: Arriva-operated routes cover suburbs like Windesheim campus • Driving: Use P+R parking near A28 highway. Old town has car restrictions • Boating: Canoe rentals on IJssel tributaries or sightseeing boats to nearby villages • Advice: Combine walking and cycling - most sights are within 2km radius
Best season: May-September (15-22°C). July-August has festivals but crowds. April offers King's Day festivities, December has cozy Christmas markets. Avoid rainy February-March.
Essentials: • Language: Dutch predominant. Widespread English fluency • Internet: Free WiFi in squares/libraries. Lyca SIMs at convenience stores • Payments: Maestro/Visa/Mastercard accepted. Apple Pay growing • Voltage: 230V Type C/F plugs. Some hotels lend adapters • Healthcare: UMC Utrecht affiliate handles emergencies. Non-EU visitors need travel insurance • VAT: 21% included. Tax refund for shopping over €50 • Religion: St. Michael's has English Mass. Synagogue visits by appointment