• Station Zwolle - Zwolle Station is a key transportation hub featuring a stunning historic building that first opened in 1864. During the 20th century, the station was renovated to better serve the increasing number of passengers. The facade and roof are particularly striking, and a statue of Thorbecke, a statesman and founder of Dutch parliamentary democracy, stands proudly. Born in Zwolle on January 14, 1798, Thorbecke played a crucial role in shaping the Netherlands’ political structure and was instrumental in various infrastructure projects that significantly advanced the country.
• Zwolse Balletjes - Since 1845, Zwolse Balletjes have been the unique and authentic sweets of Zwolle! That year, Mr. J. van der Kolk began producing them in the basement of a former grocer’s monumental building. The “steek” is a traditional sweet made from sugar dough. Initially, the first black steeks were made from cane sugar, as sugar beets were not yet cultivated in the Netherlands. These black cane sugar steeks were primarily used to sweeten coffee and tea. With the introduction of sugar beets and granulated sugar, the steek became known as the Zwolse Balletje. The original, secret recipe remains unchanged, and Zwolse Balletjes are still traditionally crafted by steek bakers in the basement of the Zwolse Balletjeshuis.
• Grote of St. Michaelskerk - The Grote Kerk, located on the Grote Markt, is a 15th-century Gothic church also known as the Sint Michaëlskerk. It boasts beautiful stained glass windows and an impressive Schnitger organ.
• De Peperbus Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren - The Peperbus is a late Gothic tower belonging to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption. Characteristic of Lower Rhine Gothic architecture, it features brickwork, beautiful niches, and balustrades. Standing at 75 meters, it towers over the center of Zwolle, though it is not among the tallest church towers in the Netherlands. The tower’s first section includes an octagonal lantern topped with a copper dome roof. The Netherlands has other towers with lanterns, such as the Dom Tower in Utrecht, which served as a model for builders in the 16th century. The 51-bell Taylor carillon is housed in the lantern. After a tower fire in 1815 destroyed the onion-shaped roof, architect Herman Klinkert installed a copper dome roof in 1828, earning the tower its nickname ‘pepper pot’ due to its resemblance to a pepper shaker.
• Het Vrouwenhuis - This unique museum, the Vrouwenhuis, is a private museum located in the heart of Zwolle, cozily nestled under the Peperbus. Founder Aleida Greve, who lived from 1670 to 1742, specified in her will that her home on the Grote Aa (Melkmarkt) should be adapted to house single, elderly women who were members of the Protestant Church after her passing. Since 1987, the ground floor of the Vrouwenhuis has been a museum open to the public by appointment. Visitors can explore special interiors spanning three centuries, from 1680 to 1980, ranging from opulent to simple.
• Hopmanshuis - Situated on the former trading quay of the city, the Hopmanshuis was originally used as a warehouse for the transshipment of goods to and from Germany and Amsterdam. Built around 1663 by Zwolle merchant Claes de Cock, it was constructed with half brick and half wood. The wooden section was built above the city moat, allowing ships to be unloaded directly. The stone section was located on the trading quay, the Rodetorenplein, named after the tower that provided access to the city. From 1843, the building was known as the Nieuwe Stadsherberg or the House with the 99 windows. The warehouse function is still evident on the upper floors, while the lower floors serve as offices and the cellars have been repurposed for catering.
• Waanders In De Broeren - Considered by many to be the most beautiful bookstore in the Netherlands, Van der Velde books is located in the Broeren church. Since 2013, the store has been housed in the medieval Broeren church, a monumental building with a rich history. The modern interior is seamlessly integrated with the traditional style elements of the old monastery church, offering more than just a bookstore—it’s an experience!
• Karel V Huis En Hof Van Ittersum - The Karel de Vijfde house is named after the bust of Karel de Vijfde, prominently displayed at the top of the impressive facade within a richly decorated frame. The house is part of the medieval Hof Van Ittersum, one of the largest and most significant late medieval city buildings in Zwolle. From the 14th century until 1736, it was home to the noble Van Ittersum family. The oldest part of the house dates back to around 1383 and was built by Roelof van Ittersum. In 1571, Anna van Westerholt commissioned the addition of a house to the courtyard, featuring the impressive facade that remains a defining characteristic of the building. Anna’s father was a loyal servant to the lord of the manor, which may have inspired her to add the emperor’s crowned head to the facade. The facade is truly a masterpiece.
• Bethlehemkerkplein - The Bethlehemkerk is one of the oldest churches in Zwolle, originally serving as the chapel of the first Augustinian monastery. During the great city fire of 1324, the Bethlehemkerk and Het Refter were spared, leaving some parts of the choir among the oldest above-ground wall remains. On the Bethlehemkerkplein side, three relief stones were placed: one with a cross surrounded by leaf and rose ornaments, a second depicting Christ after the descent from the cross, and the third, the gravestone of Thomas a Kempis’ brother, prior Johannes Kempen, featuring a crucified Christ in Baumberger stone.
• Sassenpoort - Dating back to around 1409, the Sassenpoort is the most significant remnant of Zwolle’s medieval city walls. This high gate with a wide passage served as an inner gate, connecting to a roundel and an outer gate on the land side. The city gate is a square brick structure with corner towers. The two towers on the land side transition from round to octagonal and are adjacent to an extension with throwing holes in the floor, from which boiling pitch could be poured over invading enemies. The imposing gate is the only remaining gate from the city walls, symbolizing Zwolle’s wealth during that era. The gate was designed to be wide enough for carts to fit entirely beneath it, and only after thorough inspection were the city doors opened.

• App
• Audio and Written Guide

Experience the allure of Zwolle on an unforgettable walking tour through its historic streets. From the majestic Sassenpoort to the breathtaking Grote Kerk, immerse yourself in centuries of history and local culture. Stroll along the tranquil Thorbeckegracht and admire the beauty of this medieval city’s architecture. Ideal for history enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and families, this tour provides unique insights and stories not found in guidebooks. Whether it’s your first time or you’re revisiting Zwolle, this tour promises to create lasting memories. Book now and discover Zwolle like never before.

• Travel time is already included in the total duration time

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.