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One day in Zwolle: The best things to do in Zwolle

December 12, 2017 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

If you’re looking for a great day trip from Amsterdam, you’ll be surprised how many things to do in Zwolle you’ll find–and how much great shopping you’ll find in this medieval Dutch city, including a beautiful bookstore.  Keep reading for things to do in Zwolle, the Netherlands and how to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam (via Zwolle). 

• 1 Things to do in Zwolle covered in this guide to Zwolle
• 2 A brief history of Zwolle
• 3 A must-see in Zwolle: Waanders in de Broeren bookstore in a former cathedral
• 4 Sassenpoort gate
• 5 Eat at the best restaurant in the Netherlands: De Librije ​
• 6 Shopping in Zwolle
• 7 Stadswandeling in Zwolle ​
• 8 Visit Museum De Fundatie
• 9 Admire or climb de Peperbus ( Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basiliek en Onze Lieve)
• 10 Try Zwolse Balletjes
• 11  St Michael’s Church
• 12.0.1 The reason that many people come to Zwolle: you must transfer through Zwolle to get to Giethoorn, which makes it the perfect place to stay if you want to take a day trip from Giethoorn.
• 13 Downloadable Map of things to do in Zwolle
• 14 Have you heard of Zwolle?

Things to do in Zwolle covered in this guide to Zwolle

• The stunning cathedral bookstore in Zwolle (Easily one of the most beautiful bookstores in the Netherlands)

Sassenpoort gate

• Eating at De Librije, a three-starred Michelin restaurant in the Netherlands

Shopping in Zwolle

• Melkmarkt for touristy stuff
• Walking around Zwolle aka exploring the medieval city of Zwolle with all its nooks and crannies!
• Visiting the innovative Museum de Fundatie
• Zwolse Balletjes
• Admire St Michael’s Church
• Not really in Zwolle, but consider taking a day trip to Giethoorn!

At the end, you’ll find a map of things do in Zwolle that you can download offline!

A brief history of Zwolle

Zwolle is the capital of Overijssel, one of the provinces in the Netherlands.  This historic Dutch city has seen inhabited for thousands of years and the city dates back to the 1200s.

It’s also a fortified city, which stems from the fact that Zwolle was one of the wealthiest Dutch cities due to its proximity to one of the mightiest rivers and its membership in the Hanseatic League.

The Hanseatic League was an organization formed by various cities in this part of the Netherlands to band together to protect their trade interests, including Kampen and Deventer.  They’re all lovely historic cities although the river that made many of them powerful is now dammed up.

However, the fortifications around these cities still make it clear that you’re entering a truly historic place, far older than the country of my birth. 😉

A must-see in Zwolle: Waanders in de Broeren bookstore in a former cathedral

I’m an unabashed literature geek and after seeing the Boekhandel Dominicanen bookstore in Maastricht , I figured that I’d seen enough beautiful bookstores in my lifetime–and there wasn’t another cathedral bookstore in the Netherlands.  However, a former colleague of my husband’s who is born and raised in Zwolle heard me raving about the Selexyz bookstore and casually asked if I had been to Waanders in de Broeren in Zwolle.  What a surprise I had in store.

The church that Waanders in de Broen was built in dates back to the dominicanen brothers who founded the church in 1465 as part of a cloister.

In the 1600s, the church closed and it became a protestant church like many churches at the time.  In 1983, the church closed and this historic church was restored in the ’80s into a historic exposition space.

However, in 2004, a local bookseller (Boekhandel Waanders) bought this historic church and turned it into a beautiful bookstore in a church with the assistance of Bureau BK.

The Broerenkerk is three stories high and full of fantastic Dutch literature.   Compared to the Selexyz cathedral in Maastricht , Waanders in de Broeren has done a fantastic job of integrating the existing structure in a modern way while showing off the beauty of the church.

One of my favorite features of Waanders in de Broen is the stunning organ that has been left intact (and still is played on occasion).  The book selection in English isn’t fantastic, but this beautiful bookstore church is very good for Dutch literature and for gifts.

Waanders in de Broen also has a lovely cafe that hosts an affordable yet delicious lunch with a twist.  Either way, it’s a great place to sit to enjoy the beauty of the church with a cup of coffee in hand.  Their menu looks like a newspaper and it’s in Dutch although the staff can help translate. I thoroughl enjoyed my sandwich at the cafe.

You can visit Waanders in de Broen on weekdays and Saturdays typically in the afternoon with a late night on Thursdays.  Check their hours ahead as they’re closed on Sundays.

It’s hard to miss the historical medieval gates of Zwolle.  The Sassenpoort gate was built in the 1400s shortly after Zwolle’s admission to the Hanseatic league to both defend the city and show off its wealth.

This Riijksmonument building was outfitted in the 1800s with the “cool feature” of being able to throw down boiling oil on enemies entering through the gate.   It’s easy to imagine yourself going back in time when you step through the Sassenpoort gate and I really think it’s one of the most beautiful city gates in the Netherlands.

Eat at the best restaurant in the Netherlands: De Librije ​

De Librije has been named one of the best restaurants in the Netherlands and it currently holds three Michelin stars.  De Librije focuses on locally sourced ingredients used in an innovative way where you get to choose what suits you best in a multi-course meal with an ever-changing menu.

It’s possible to get a reservation on most weeknights with some planning (weekends are difficult), so if you’re looking for a foodie experience at a Michelin starred restaurant in the Netherlands, consider heading to De Librije for lunch or dinner.  If you plan poorly, consider visiting their gourmet shop for some goodies!

De Librije also a luxury hotel in Zwolle for those who want the complete experience of being pampered in this former prison hotel… and you get breakfast in the morning.

Most of the reason that Dutchies come to Zwolle is to shop as the historic centre of Zwolle is full of popular Dutch shops that you’ll mostly find close to Diezerstraat. For touristy stuff, you can pick up things at Waanders in de Broen or the  Melkmarkt.

Lovers of cute boutique shops that carry independent Dutch brands will love Luttekestraat, Sassenstraat, and Melkmarkt, which is home to a number of concept stores. Be warned that many are not open on Sundays and close on the earlier side.  

Stadswandeling in Zwolle ​

  Getting lost in a medieval city like Zwolle is one of the BEST parts about visiting the historic Dutch cities like Zwolle.  The bit close to Waanders is quite pretty although history lovers will want to seek out the picturesque streets of Zwolle.

The bulk of the Rijksmonument buildings in Zwolle are clustered in the streets in between Sassenstraat, Grote Kerkplein, Praubstraat, and Luttekestraat (starred on the Zwolle map, so don’t worry if you’re wondering where these streets are!).   I also loved the area close to Pelserbrugje.

Similarly, don’t miss the medieval tower  Wijndragerstoren .  You’ll also have a picturesque view from across the canal close to Waanders in de Broeren. Hofje lovers may want to visit the historic Vrouwenhuis museum for one of the last original hofjes in Zwolle to be owned by the original family. 

Visit Museum De Fundatie

Museum De Fundatie has a diverse collection of art from all different ages and even has work from Van Gogh and Mondriaan.  Their exhibits change every three months, so check their website for the latest exhibits.  At minimum , admire the crazy egg on top.

Admire or climb de Peperbus ( Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basiliek en Onze Lieve)

  The Peperbus is an iconic church in Zwolle named for its shape.  You can climb to the top for great views of the city although the streets around it make it easy to admire it from below.   The name is the inspiration for a spicy cheese produced in Zwolle (peperbuskaas).

Try Zwolse Balletjes

Zwolse Balletjes are a candy from Zwolle made with cane sugar originally.  They come in all kinds of different and delicious flavors now, including mocha and vanilla.  The recipe is the same as the original, so you’ll need to try this unique Dutch candy at the Zwolse Balletjeshuis.   Even if you just love candy, it’s a great excuse to buy some Dutch candies as a souvenir.

 St Michael’s Church

This massive church in Zwolle dates back to the 1400s although earlier forms of the church have existed in the same place since the 700s.  Lovers of medieval churches will enjoy the rich interior details as well as the elaborate organ within this Dutch church.

Unfortunately, the tower collapsed, however, Saint Michael’s is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the Netherland. It’s free to visit although it’s not always open to the public on days besides Sundays.

If you’re curious to see another church in Zwolle that has been since converted, consider visiting Blue Sakura for a sushi buffet in a former church.  Who says that eating sushi can’t be a religious moment?  😉

How to get to Zwolle by train

There’s a direct train from Amsterdam to Zwolle that takes one hour and a half per way.   Part of the reason I encourage you to stay over in Zwolle is that there’s a bus connection to Giethoorn from Zwolle and it’s a bit much to go from Amsterdam to Giethoorn (2.5 hours per way) by public transit as the connection isn’t great.  I think that having one day in Zwolle and one day in Giethoorn would be perfect.

The reason that many people come to Zwolle: you must transfer through Zwolle to get to Giethoorn, which makes it the perfect place to stay if you want to take a day trip from Giethoorn.

Giethoorn is accessible by bus from Zwolle via the 70 bus towards Steenwijk.  The journey from Zwolle to Giethoorn takes about one hour and the bus stop for Giethoorn is Blauwe Hand. Giethoorn is widely considered to be one of the cutest towns in the Netherlands.  (Who can resist this?)

Click for my guide to Giethoorn .

Downloadable Map of things to do in Zwolle

Have you heard of Zwolle?

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

December 13, 2017 at 12:15 pm

Great article! Had a great time exploring Zwolle with you… and I need to go back for De Librije one day ​;)

December 13, 2017 at 3:21 pm

I could’t agree with you more!! Maybe good to know, but f you can’t get into De Librije (it’s extremely popular, you have to book months and months in advance), there is a Librije food shop nearby where you can buy such nice food goodies, well worth it.

[…] train: You’ll need to take the train to Zwolle, a gorgeous typically Dutch city.  There’s the 70 bus from Zwolle that goes to Giethoorn […]

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• 1 Understand
• 2.2 By train
• 3 Get around

The Dutch city of Zwolle is home to some 120,000 people and, although second in size to Enschede , it serves as the province capital of Overijssel . It is known as a "green city" for its many parks and the municipality's efforts to maintain them through sustainable activities. Zwolle is surrounded by different rivers and lies at a meeting point of different ecological zones. For visitors, its well-kept town centre is one of the main attractions, with an abundance of historic buildings and a pleasant city atmosphere.

Understand [ edit ]

The area where Zwolle lies has been inhabited since the Neolithic times, for which proof was found in the form of archeological artifacts and a (Bronze time) timber circle which is colloquially called Zwolle's Woodhenge . In Roman times, Salian Franks lived here. The city as we know is first documented in the 11th century, but it was the 13th century city- and market rights that made the Zwolle grow. It became a member of the Hanseatic League and grew into a flourishing trade centre. There was strong competition with neighbouring Kampen .

Get in [ edit ]

Zwolle is an important transportation hub towards the Northern Netherlands , both for road and rail traffic.

By car [ edit ]

The A28 between Groningen (in the north) and Utrecht (in the middle of the country) passes right through the city. The part near Zwolle is one of the busiest roads outside the Randstad area. Although additional lanes have been created over the past years, traffic jams are still not uncommon during rush hour. Direct road connections via the A28 include those to Assen (45 min) and Groningen (60 min) to the north, and Harderwijk (30 min), Amersfoort (45 min) and Utrecht (60 min) to the south-west.

The A50 intersects with the A28 just a few kilometres out of town (intersection Hattemerbroek ), providing easy connection to Apeldoorn (30min), Arnhem (45 min) and Eindhoven (85 min). From the intersection Hattemerbroek, this national road continues north-west as the N50 to Kampen and Emmeloord .

By train [ edit ]

Zwolle is a major rail transportation hub, and with trains running in 8 different directions from here, it's second only to the central station of Utrecht . The standard schedule sees eleven different trains arriving around the same time, twice per hour (around 15 and 45 min past the hour). This allows for a broad range of easy transfers. All southbound trains from Groningen and Leeuwarden stop in Zwolle, allowing for transfers from those lines to connections in all other directions. The station is served by fast intercity trains to large destinations, and by regional services to smaller towns. Important train connections passing through or ending in Zwolle include:

• The intercity train from Rotterdam Centraal – Utrecht Centraal – Amersfoort – Zwolle – Groningen / Leeuwarden .
• The intercity train from Den Haag Centraal – Schiphol – Lelystad Centrum – Zwolle – Groningen/Leeuwarden.
• The intercity train from Roosendaal – Tilburg – 's-Hertogenbosch – Nijmegen – Arnhem – Zutphen – Deventer – Zwolle .
• The intercity train from Vlissingen – Roosendaal – Dordrecht – Rotterdam Centraal – Den Haag Hollands Spoor – Schiphol – Amsterdam Centraal – Lelystad Centrum – Zwolle – Leeuwarden/Groningen

Other directly connected destinations via several regional Sprinter trains are Enschede , Almelo , Hengelo , Emmen and Kampen . Two direct Sprinter trains an hour run from Amsterdam Centraal via Almere and Lelystad, but the journey is around 30 minutes slower than picking up the Intercity from Amsterdam Zuid station.

Get around [ edit ]

The city centre is compact and in part car-free, so the best way to get around there is on foot. It's about a 10-minute walk from the train station to the centre.

To get to the outskirts of town or to see the surroundings, renting a bike is a good idea. You can rent one at Fietspoint Spruijt , the guarded bike parking at the train station. It's open early morning until late at night.

Although most visitors will remain mostly in the city centre, there are of course plenty of bus lines available to the different city district and surrounding towns. City buses are operated by Syntus . Regional bus connections are carried out by Syntus and OV Regio IJsselmond . There are two bus terminals, one on the east side of the train station, and one on the left. The division can be a bit confusing, but most of the city-bound buses leave from the west side, while most of the regional lines leave at the east side.

See [ edit ]

Most of the city's 14th-century defensive walls are gone, but a few parts remain. Especially in combination with the few surviving city gates, some towers and the canals, it's not too hard to get an impression of the extend of the fortified city from late Medieval times to the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age. This area, the historic city centre inside the canal ring, is the most charming part of town and holds a range of other old buildings.

• 52.513611 6.098889 2 City wall ruins . Only small pieces of the former city walls can be seen today. The best place to see them is at the end of the Diezerstraat. Once, the Diezer tower stood here too.  

Parks [ edit ]

Famous as one of the country's "greenest" cities, Zwolle has no less than 33 parks on its city grounds. Many are small, but all are well-kept and where possible, sustainable and environmentally friendly measures are used for all necessary maintenance activities. A stroll or a summer pick-nick are excellent ways to get away from the city buzz. One or two of the parks contain historic graveyards, and most have some sort of playground for children.

Other [ edit ]

Do [ edit ].

• Football: PEC Zwolle were promoted in 2023 and now play soccer in Eredivisie, the Dutch top tier. Their home ground Mac3Park Stadion (capacity 14,000) is 1 km east of town centre.

Buy [ edit ]

Zwolle serves as a regional centre for shopping and there's a wide selection of shops. You'll find all the chain stores that other large Dutch cities have, as well as a range of smaller boutiques and family shops. Combined with the pleasant atmosphere and ample cafés and restaurants, there's plenty of opportunity for a fun day of shopping.

The Diezerstraat is the centre of the shopping area, with surrounding streets offering plenty of choice. For smaller shops and more exclusive fashion boutiques, try the Luttekestraat, Sassenstraat or Melkmarkt The Assendorperstraat or Thorbeckegracht have some interesting picks as well.

Shops open their doors on every first Sunday of the month. On Friday morning (08:00 - 13:00) and Saturday (09:00 - 17:00) there are markets in the city centre, around the Melkmarkt, Grote Markt and adjoining streets.

Eat [ edit ]

• Kota Radja , Melkmarkt 50 , ☏ +31 38 421 35 34 . Tu-Su 16:00-23:00 . This Asian-fusion place is so popular, it's almost always packed. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on weekends, but even then you might have to wait for your table. It's not the setting or service people come for; it's the food. You pick small dishes from an extensive menu, in five rounds. The concept works much like an all-you-can-eat sushi place (and sushi is among the options), with dishes arriving when they're ready. €26 .  
• Os en Peper , Ossenmarkt 7/8 , ☏ +31 38 421 19 48 . Tu-Su 18:00-21:30 . A cosy restaurant with a small but excellent French inspired menu. 3 courses €32.50, 4 courses €42.50 .  
• Vidiveni Bistronomie , Jufferenwal 17 , ☏ +31 38 421 19 95 . Tu-Sa 09:00-22:00 . A bistro with a mission in a charming historic building. It serves high-quality bistro dishes, prepared with seasonal produce, but also offers a work and learn environment for students who face trouble entering the job market. The service is very friendly and many of the dishes have an interesting twist. It serves lunch (or even late breakfast) and dinner. Also a nice place for a cup of coffee with cake. lunch dishes from €6, dinner mains from €18 .  

Drink [ edit ]

The old centre is full of small and large cafés, perfect for some drinks and a good conversation. When the weather allows, outdoor terraces fill up. Thursday - Saturday, there are several dance clubs to choose from.

• Club 38 , Grote Markt 13 . Open only on Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 05:00, this place offers serious dance music in the middle of town.  

Sleep [ edit ]

• Bilderberg Grand Hotel Wientjes , Stationsweg 7 . A stone's throw away from the train station, this is a friendly hotel in the Bilderberg chain. It's one of the better options close to the city centre. €70 for a single, €150 for a double .  
• Hanze Hotel Zwolle , Rode Torenplein 10-11 , ☏ +31 38 421 81 82 . Simple but adequate rooms in a historic building in the old city. The rooms can be a bit noisy and aren't too big, but some have pleasant views. The location at one of the old city gates is a major plus for this small hotel, but the service is nice too. €99 for double incl.breakfast .  
• Librije Hotel , Spinhuisplein 1 , ☏ +31 38 421 20 83 . This top-end hotel offers the same kind of standards as the highly awarded restaurant of the same name. It has modern rooms and suites with a range of facilities on top of the standard ones. The spacious and well decorated rooms have free use of an iPad, free use of a mini-bar and 24-hr butler service. The excellent hotel restaurant has gained 2 Michelin stars of its own, with prices being accordingly high. €295 .  
• Hotel Lumen , Stadionplein 20 , ☏ +31 88 1471471 . A large, new hotel with good facilities and a colourful modern design. It's located at the IJsseldelta Stadion. Single rooms from €60, doubles from €100 .  

Connect [ edit ]

There are a number of bookstores and supermarkets that sell stamps. For other post office services, try one of the following mail service points:

• Multicopy , Gasthuisplein 16 . M 12:00-18:00, Tu-F 09:30-12:30 & 13:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-17:00 . A copyshop that doubles as a post office, providing all the regular services in both categories.  
• Primera , Luttekestraat 52 . M 12:00-18:00, Tu W F 09:00-18:00, Th 09:00-21:00, Sa 09:30-17:00 . This bookstore has a post service desk as well, and also sells post cards.  

Go next [ edit ]

Although much smaller, the nearby city of Kampen has a comparable historic feel. Easy as transportation is from here, the lively student city of Groningen , historic Amersfoort or Utrecht are just a few train stops away. If you're travelling with children, consider hopping over to nearby Apeldoorn , to see the great range of primates in the Apenheul, or for a broader selection of animals consider the famous zoo of Emmen . Walibi Theme Park in Biddinghuizen is half an hour's drive from here.

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13 Cool Things to See and Do in Zwolle

The city of Zwolle, a Hanseatic city located in the Northeastern Netherlands, is the capital city of the Overjissel province. It is an incredibly lively and vibrant city but is also steeped in history, boasting a medieval city center. The integrity of the historical side of the city is preserved as there are many inner-city walls, towers, and of course, the 600-year-old Sassenpoort.

There is also a plethora of lanes, trees, and canals that wind through the city, making way for architecturally astounding fortresses and old merchant houses. Aside from these historical ties, the city of Zwolle is also considered the culinary capital of the Netherlands, as it is home to the impressive three-Michelin star restaurant, De Librije.

Nearby Zwolle you will find the Weerribben-Wieden National Park ( Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden ) and one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands – Giethoorn . So, Zwolle can be the perfect destination for a weekend city trip and a good base to explore the Overijssel province.

There are plenty of things to do in Zwolle, and this guide will highlight the top attractions in the city and surrounds. You’ll definitely want to visit Zwolle after immersing yourself in this article and include it in your trip to the Netherlands.

Let’s get exploring!

How to get to Zwolle

1. old fortifications and sassenpoort, 2. de librije, 3. de fundatie museum, 4. herman brood museum, 6. st michael’s church or grote kerk, 7. peperbus tower, 5. het vrouwenhuis, 8. van der velde in de broeren, 9. boat tour, 10. jugendstil architecture, 11. bonami spelcomputer museum, 12. dinoland, 13. anningahof, final words.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of those links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost for you.

Surprisingly, Zwolle is located more or less at an hour/hour and half from all big cities in the Netherlands, which makes it an easy day trip from Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, or Rotterdam. Zwolle is also very well connected by train with the rest of the Netherlands.

Tip: Read this post about using the public transport in the Netherlands . It’s packed with tips that only a local knows!

Pro tip: Buy your train tickets online with the Dutch Railways (NS) for hassle-free travel. On the website of NS you can also check for any discounts .

Here are some distances from other major cities in the Netherlands to Zwolle by car and the time it takes both by car and by train:

• Amsterdam – Zwolle: 100 km/1 hr 10 min; by train: 1 hr 30 min
• Schiphol – Zwolle: 115 km/1 hr 15 min; by train: 1 hr 10 min
• Groningen – Zwolle: 105 km/1 hr 5 min; by train: 57 min
• Utrecht – Zwolle: 90 km/55 min; by train: 50 min
• The Hague – Zwolle: 155 km/1 hr 30 min; by train: 1 hr 40 min
• Rotterdam – Zwolle: 150 km/1 hr 30 min; by train: 1 hr 35 min
• Eindhoven – Zwolle: 155 km/1 hr 30 min; by train: 1 hr 50 min
• Maastricht – Zwolle: 235 km/2 hrs 15 min; by train: 3 hrs 10 min

The best way to find out how to travel from A to B in the Netherlands is to use the Glimble app. You can buy your tickets in the app and travel hassle-free. The app is absolutely free to download .

• Click here to download Glimble for Android
• Click here to download Glimble for iPhone

For international travel options, check out Omio , where you can also buy train and bus tickets.

Top Things to do in Zwolle

Read further to find out which are the best things to do in Zwolle. On the handy map below I’ve marked all tourist attractions in Zwolle. You can add the map to your Google Maps and use it even if you are offline.

The first of the Zwolle tourist attractions to visit when visiting the city are the old fortifications. These military constructions and buildings are located throughout the city and they tell the story of the historic past of Zwolle. The old ramparts and the remains of the city walls are perfect attractions to see on a day of exploring the city.

At one point there were 23 towers on the city walls and 8 city gates. The only surviving city gate today is the 600-year-old city gatehouse Sassenpoort . It was built in 1409 and is still standing today. The gate, built mainly of trachyte and tuff, is a Rijksmonument and one of the top 100 Dutch heritage sites. Taking a walk through the Sassenpoort is considered one of the top things to do in Zwolle.

In the 15th century Zwolle was an important city, member of the so-called Hanseatic League – a medieval commercial and defensive union, that included cities like Hamburg, Rostock, Dortmund, and Bremen in Germany, Riga in Latvia, Gdansk and Krakow in Poland. In the Netherlands, besides Zwolle, Deventer, Hasselt, Zutphen, Kampen, Elburg, Hattem, Harderwijk, and Duisburg belonged to this medieval confederation.

De Librije is the best restaurant in the country, and is located in Zwolle, Netherlands. This fine-dining restaurant, housed in a former 18th-century female prison, has consistently been in the top 50 restaurants in the world, and holds an impressive three-Michelin Star rating.

You can try their eight-course menu, and there is also a wine pairing option available for the wine aficionados. It’s definitely an experience as you navigate through the menu that consists of dishes that use authentic regional products. A visit to De Librije is a gastronomic experience that is bound to stimulate the senses and something that will be hard to forget – definitely one of the top places to visit in Zwolle.

To make the experience complete, you can book a room at the Librije’s Hotel , rated by guests as exquisite and fantastic. Click here to see the ratings and read the reviews:

Practical info

Address: Spinhuisplein 1, 8011 ZZ Zwolle Website: librije.com

De Fundatie Museum is a visual arts museum that belongs to the Hannema-de Stuers Foundation, along with the Nijenhuis Castle ( Kasteel het Nijenhuis ) in Heino. The museum is located in a unique egg-shaped building sitting on top of the former Palace of Justice, and is considered one of the top Zwolle attractions because of its interesting architecture and collections.

There are some interesting works on display by top artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, and Marc Chagall. You can also end off your visit with a coffee and pastry on the last floor of the building.

Tip: Saturday evening, from 5 pm till 9 pm the admission to the museum is free!

Address: Blijmarkt 20, 8011 NE Zwolle Admission fee: adults – 15 EUR, kids under 19 yoa – free of charge Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, from 11 am till 5 pm Website: www.museumdefundatie.nl

When visiting Zwolle, things to do are in abundance, especially if you enjoy tapping into your cultural side and visiting museums in the cities you travel to. The Herman Brood Museum-Experience is one of the most interesting things to do Zwolle – an ode to a unique character. Herman Brood was many things – a rock’n’roll star, a painter, and a poet from the Netherlands.

The museum houses art pieces as well as many of his personal belongings such as painted guitars, clothing, painting materials, and spraying needles. There is also a shop housed in the museum that sells a range of merchandise as well as pieces of artwork.

Address: Blijmarkt 21, 8011 ND Zwolle Opening times: Friday-Sunday, from 12 am till 5 pm Website: hermanbroodmuseum.nl

The St. Michael’s Church , also known as Grote Kerk , was built around 1406-1466 during the heyday of the city on the place of an early Romanesque church from 1040. The Grote Kerk is home of the biggest organ in the Netherlands, the Schnitger Organ ( Schnitgerorgel ), built by the famous German organ builder Arp Schnitger and finished in 1721 after his death by his son – Franz Caspar.

Fun fact: There was a second church in Zwolle named St. Michael’s Church. As the Grote Kerk was converted into a protestant church, a new catholic church devoted to Archangel Michael was built at the end of the 19th century. The church was demolished in 1965.

The Peperbus Tower , or Onze Liewe Vrouwetoren as it’s formally known, is a 75-meter-high bell tower that forms a part of the Basilica Onze Lieve Vrouw Tenhemelopname . A visit to the church is free of charge.

The tower offers the best views of the city. Locals from Zwolle are always happy upon returning to the city to see the iconic city landmark – it gives them a sense of being home.

Fun fact: They call this church tower Peperbus, as it looks like pepperbox . Peperbus is the Dutch for pepperbox.

Address: Ossemarkt 40, 8011 MS Zwolle Opening times: summer: Tuesday-Saturday, from 11 am till 6 pm; winter: Monday-Friday, from 1:30 pm till 3:30 pm; Saturday, from 1:30 pm till 4 pm Admission fee: adults – 4 EUR; kids under 12 yoa – 2,50 EUR Website: www.peperbus-zwolle.nl ( only in Dutch )

The Women’s Home ( Het Vrouwenhuis ) is one of Zwolle’s most famous landmarks and a small museum. The house was built somewhere before 1680 and since 1742 it served as a home for aged women until 1984. The ground floor of the house shows the grandeur of the 17th-century Zwolle an not much has changed since them. In 2022 the museum went a complete renovation. If you want to visit it, you need to check the Agenda on the museum’s website and enroll for a tour.

One of the most popular things to do in Zwolle is to take a stroll through Van der Velde in de Broeren – a hip and happy book shop that is housed in a historical church building. It is not considered a bookstore but more of an experience as you can browse the ever-changing selection of books and other merchandise.

There are also food and drinks available at Van de Velde in de Broeren and on occasion there are a variety of lectures, exhibits, and concerts within its walls.

Fun fact: Another famous bookstore housed in a church in the Netherlands, is the Dominicanen Bookstore ( Boekhandel Dominicanen ) in Maastricht .

Exploring the city by means of a boat is a favorite amongst both locals and tourists who visit Zwolle. It’s a great way to see the city as well as the various tourist attractions, as you navigate through the canals.

There are a variety of different tour options available, depending on your needs, but one thing is certain – you will have a great time. There’s even lunch and delicious pastries available for those who get a bit hungry along the way.

You can book a boat tour in Zwolle with Rondvaart Zwolle .

Quite surprisingly, Zwolle is home to some fine examples of Jugendstil architecture . Jugendstil is the Austrian version of the Art Nouveau Architecture movement during the Belle Époque period (1890-1910). Dutch architects G.G. Post, G.B. Broekema and M. Meijerink introduced the new avant-garde style in booming Zwolle at the beginning of the 20th century. You can spot Jugendstil architecture in the city centre, along the Veerallee , and in the so-called Royal district ( Prins Hendrikstraat and Koningin Wilhelminastraat ).

The Bonami SpelComputer Museum is a dedicated computer and gaming museum that is housed in the Weighing House in Zwolle. It’s a rather unique museum that is dedicated to the history of the gaming console and there are in excess of 10000 games to be found. Many of these games are still able to be played which is a fun way to spend a rainy day in the city.

Address: Ossenkamp 4, 8024AE Zwolle Admission fee: starting from 16,50 EUR Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday, from 10 am till 5 pm; Friday-Saturday (in the evening), from 6 pm till 10 pm Website: computermuseum.nl ( only in Dutch )

A visit to Dinoland is one of the top things to do in Zwolle for families with kids. It’s a fun day out for the whole family as there a whole host of indoor and outdoor activities, from playing amongst the dinosaurs to climbing course, mini golf, and even digging up a dinosaur fossil. There’s also a restaurant for when the family gets hungry.

Address: Willemsvaart 19, 8019 AB Zwolle Admission fee: 15,50 EUR; kids under 4 yoa – 8,75 EUR Opening times: Check the website for more information Website: dinoland.nl

The final activity on the list of things to do in Zwolle is a visit to the Annigahof Estate ( Landgoed Anningahof ). The sculpture park houses a large variety of different sculptures, big and small, that are spread throughout the park. The displays change yearly so it lends itself to multiple visits. It’s a great way to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life and to relax in an artistic and creative environment.

Address: Hessenweg 9, 8028 PA Zwolle Admission fee: adults: 12,50 EUR (including a catalogue of the exhibition); kids (aged 12-17): 7,50 EUR; kids (aged 4-11): 6,25 EUR Opening times: Wednesday-Sunday, from 1 pm till 6 pm, in the summer months. Website: www.anningahof.nl ( only in Dutch )

With so many things to do in Zwolle, it’s a highly recommend city to visit when travelling to the Netherlands. While it’s not Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague, Zwolle has its own unique charm and attraction.

So, next time you find yourself in the Netherlands, visit Zwolle and immerse yourself in a different side of the country. There are many unique tourist attractions and of course, the top restaurant in the entire country. Start saving for De Librije, get planning, and pack your bags – destination Zwolle.

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Home » Travel Guides » The Netherlands » 15 Best Things to Do in Zwolle (the Netherlands)

15 Best Things to Do in Zwolle (the Netherlands)

Zwolle is a municipality that is located in the Overijssel province of the Netherlands, a short distance from Apeldoorn and Enschede. Traces of settlement can be found in Zwolle as far back as the Bronze Age and the modern city was established as far back as 800 A.D. Zwolle is at the meeting point of several rivers including the IJssel, Zwarte and Vechte and the old city centre resembles a many sided star and is surrounded entirely by canals.

Throughout its history, the city has seen much involvement in the various wars that have shaped the Netherlands as we know it today, and has seen great trade through its rivers. In modern times, Zwolle features a myriad of historical buildings and attractions and offers something different to the likes of Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Lets explore the best things to do in Zwolle :

1. Grote Kerk

A magnificent example of a Gothic church, the Grote Kerk stands proudly in the old town centre of Zwolle and is recognized throughout the region.

Sparse records exist of the church before its current form, and from what is gathered there was a Romanesque style building before the current Gothic design.

This version was built in the 1400’s and has stood ever since.

On the right hand side of the exterior you can find three outer buildings that are a later addition to the church, and give it an unusual appearance.

Inside, the high narrow windows provide plenty of light, and the large decorative pulpit an organ provide a degree of opulence.

As the main church in Zwolle, this is a great example of Netherlands religious architecture.

2. Peperbus tower

While this tower is actually part of the Basilica of our Lady, its has become lovingly known as the pepper pot owing to its shape and design.

De Peperbus was constructed in the 1400’s which was a time of great growth and prosperity for the city.

Until 2006, it held the title as the tallest building in Zwolle and towers over the surrounding buildings in the city centre.

A must do when in Zwolle, climbing the tower to the public viewing platform is a great way to see the city from a different angle and make out the outline of the star shaped canals.

3. Sassenpoort gatehouse

A remnant of the once domineering fortifications of Zwolle, the Sassenpoort is a gatehouse and one of the finest examples in the Netherlands that still stands.

Constructed in 1409 during the towns involvement in the Hanseatic League, the gates show Zwolle’s old power and wealth.

Listed as a national monument, the building has been restored lovingly and stands today in perfect condition.

Admire the two circular gate towers, the crenulations, the decorative windows and the city emblems.

You can also see inside this fantastic building and check out the wooden beams and beautiful interior.

4. Museum de Fundatie

The prime museum in Zwolle, this establishment attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and is a fantastic place to learn about visual art.

Included in the collection are over 7000 items such as paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints.

Famous artists you can find here include Mondrian, Van Gogh and Chagall.

The collection of art is stunning and the variety of works will provide endless amounts of discussion and engagement for art lovers.

5. Bonami Spelcomputer Museum

You can find this specialist museum on the outskirts of the city centre near the train station.

Spread over 3000 m2 in  a large warehouse, this is a paradise for any gamer or lover of computers, consoles and video games.

Part of this museum contains a dazzling myriad of historical computers, consoles, pinball machines and video game memorabilia including Atari, Dreamcast, NES and the once popular Sinclair Spectrum.

In the second part of this museum, you can find a series of consoles and arcade machines that you can actually play on! You could literally spend hours here looking at the historical items, or playing your favourite games in the console area.

6. Basilica of our Lady

While the domineering pepper pot tower is undoubtedly the main attraction, the actual Basilica that it is attached too is equally as impressive and worth a visit.

Constructed slightly before the immense tower, this cruciform church also features a Gothic design.

Inside this fantastic building you will find a complementing style of pink stone pillars with white-washed walls and tall stained glass windows.

The high altar at the far end is full of decoration an has a great deal of religious iconography and colourful detail.

When visiting the Pepper-pot, you should ensure you also step inside this wonderful building.

7. Nationaal Park Weerribben Wieden

This vast parkland covers two areas totalling 100 square KM of bog and waterways.

Approximately 20 minutes drive to the north of Zwolle, this wonderful place features a great deal of stunning natural landscapes to explore and an abundance of wildlife.

Species found here include the water soldier, sundew, black tern and the northern pike.

Explore this beautiful park by bicycle on the many cycle trails that wind through the fields, or take to the waters and explore the canals and lakes on a canoe.

8. Boat tour on the Zwolle Canals

What better way to see the marvellous city centre than via an interesting canal boat tour? A particular company of repute who provide boat tours is Rondvaart and you can find their pier in the south western corner of the star canal on Harm Smeengekade street.

For a reasonable price you can tour the canals on a pleasant river boat, enjoy a glass or two of your favourite drink and take in the fantastic sights of Zwolle from the water.

Your guide will explain various sights that you pass and you will learn a great deal about the history of the city and its waterways.

9. Dominicanenklooster Monastery

An imposing and intriguing building that can be found to the south of the old city centre, the monastery features a traditional design with a central courtyard and was built as late as 1902. While the exterior is quite charming, the interior is truly spectacular and is full of stunning detail and opulent decorations.

With high vaulted ceilings, some colourful and detailed stained glass windows and a myriad of intricate brickwork, this building really is a joy to behold.

10. Het Engelse Werk Park

One of the premier public parks in Zwolle, the Engelse Werk is a pleasure to behold and is a fine place to walk and enjoy some fresh air.

Constructed in 1828, this park has the style of an English Landscape park and was designed by Hendrik van Lunteren.

Much of this park is covered with beautiful woodland, but there is also several small lakes and waterways to explore.

Walk through the main trails, enjoy the scenery and wildlife and check out the old fortification remnants that can still be seen.

11. Enjoy a fine coffee in the Konkeltje cafe

Zwolle has a plethora of coffee shops, however the Konkeltje Cafe is one of the finest.

You can find this cafe on Dijkstraat on the smaller of the two islands that form the old town centre.

This is one of the locals favourite but the owner speaks fantastic English and will make you feel welcomed.

Enjoy their variety of delicious coffee’s or try a warming hot chocolate.

You can also enjoy a selection of fine homemade cakes, or buy some local coffee and tea to take with your as a souvenir.

12. Gasthuisplein

This long stretch of public walkway and open square is a pleasant place to enjoy a drink or a meal and watch the locals of Zwolle.

Located a short walk from the equally interesting Grote Markt, the Gasthuisplein features a myriad of cafes and restaurants all with outside seating.

Trees provide ample amounts of shade so why not sit outside one of the eateries, enjoy a hearty meal and relax in the city centre.

13. Walk around the old city centre

The small city centre of Zwolle lends itself to those who love to walk and explore in their own free time.

If you really want to immerse yourself in this fantastic place, take a self-guided walking tour starting at the Grote Markt.

From here make your way to the south and to Potgietersingel street and proceed through the wooded areas on the edge of the canal.

Afterwards make your way around the edge of the city centre and take in the gorgeous sights of the waterways, parks and architecture.

Don’t forget to cross some of the bridges and lochs and maybe stop for a coffee at one of the local cafes.

14. Stedelijk Museum

One of the finest museums in Zwolle, this establishment can be found on the Melkmarkt street and has a fantastic exterior and front facade.

Inside you can find a great display of artwork based mainly on contemporary works.

Works include an archaeology basement, a small display on the history of Zwolle, and an interesting display of micro miniatures that you can only see via a microscope.

15. Zwolle Golf Club

For golf fanatics, the Zwolle golf course is a pleasure to play on and offers breath taking scenery and a challenging course.

Located on the eastern outskirts of the town and surrounded by nature, this really is a beautifully presented and maintained course to play on.

Practice your swing on the driving range, perfect your short game and putting on the smaller 4 hole par 3 course, or challenge yourself on the intriguing 18 hole main course.

Don’t forget to relax in the club house after for a drink or a meal, and enjoy the views across to the range.

15 Best Things to Do in Zwolle (the Netherlands):

• Peperbus tower
• Sassenpoort gatehouse
• Museum de Fundatie
• Bonami Spelcomputer Museum
• Basilica of our Lady
• Nationaal Park Weerribben Wieden
• Boat tour on the Zwolle Canals
• Dominicanenklooster Monastery
• Het Engelse Werk Park
• Enjoy a fine coffee in the Konkeltje cafe
• Gasthuisplein
• Walk around the old city centre
• Stedelijk Museum
• Zwolle Golf Club

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BONABO SOCIAL CLUB, Zwolle - Menu, Prices, Restaurant Reviews & Reservations - Tripadvisor

England captain Kane suffers injury scare on eve of Euros

Gareth Southgate discusses his future as England manager beyond the 2024 European Championships. (2:03)

England captain Harry Kane is struggling with a back injury less than a month out from the European Championship, with Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel confirming he will miss the final game of the season.

Kane was forced to sit out Bayern's last Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg on May 12, and will be absent from their trip to Hoffenheim on Saturday.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

Tuchel said Kane was struggling with the injury in the run-up to Bayern's Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid on May 8 but played through the pain.

"Harry is receiving treatment from his personal doctor," Tuchel said on Friday.

"He cannot travel. He was already at the limit in Madrid. He had a complete blockade in his back, it's gotten worse and bothers him in everyday movements."

Kane has had a remarkable season with Bayern , finishing his debut Bundesliga campaign with 36 goals, including four hat tricks.

He has 44 goals overall when bringing in his Champions League contributions, while he also has 12 assists across all competitions.

The news will come as a concern for England's men's team as they prepare for Euro 2024, where they will be one of the favourites to win the competition.

Kane is set to captain the team this summer and will be one of their key figures as they look to win a first men's major trophy since 1966.

England manager Gareth Southgate will name his squad for the tournament at St. George's Park on Tuesday, with Kane still expected to be included.

England's schedule sees them play two pre-tournament friendlies. The first against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 3 followed by Iceland on June 7.

England start their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16.

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With Extensive Planning, and Treats, 2,500 Show Dogs Descend on New York

The world’s top-ranked canines travel to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show mostly by car and plane. They don’t exactly travel light.

To participate in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Vitellozzo, a French bulldog from Croatia, was driven to Budapest, flown to Warsaw and then to Chicago (for another show). The final leg was a road trip to New York. Vitellozzo slept most of the journey. Credit... Clark Hodgin for The New York Times

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By Christine Chung

Christine Chung pet a lot of dogs to report this story.

• Published May 13, 2024 Updated May 14, 2024

Follow live updates on the 2024 Westminster Dog Show.

The A-listers who traveled to New York this past weekend, gathering for the biggest event of their careers, arrived by car and driver, or on planes surrounded by entourages. They didn’t even carry their own passports, much less pack their kibble or squeaky toys.

Each and every one of them, though, is a very good dog.

Some 2,500 top-ranked dogs are in New York City to compete in this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show . Breed judging, the marquee event, will begin on Monday, while several hundred other dogs have already battled it out in events testing agility, obedience and the ability to dive the farthest off a dock.

Getting into the show takes years of training and effort. Getting to the show requires extensive organizing by owners and handlers, who plan hours- or days-long road or plane trips, pack thousands of dollars worth of gear — grooming tables, industrial-strength hair dryers, leashes, collars, toys, kibble and more — and pray that neither delays nor cancellations disrupt their itineraries.

Treats are nonnegotiable.

“I try to stock up on healthy, single-ingredient treats such as freeze-dried duck or freeze-dried liver,” said Shell Lewis, 71, who came to New York with a Russell terrier and a Cairn terrier. On show days, however, her dogs receive “something special and high value.”

“It involves a drive-through McDonald’s to pick up two sausage biscuits — I eat the biscuits, they get the sausage,” she said.

Here’s how a few show dogs, and their entourages, traveled to Westminster.

Taking to the road

In the United States, accumulating titles at local, regional and national dog competitions require constant driving, with long journeys the norm. Most dogs, their trainers say, are used to the road.

Ms. Lewis drove 14 hours from Geneva, Ill., for Spangle, her 2-year-old Russell terrier, to compete in the agility event (Alas, Spangle was knocked out in the preliminaries.) Ms. Lewis also brought along Nora, her 7-year-old Cairn terrier.

“They haven’t learned to drive yet,” said Ms. Lewis, “but they are excellent travelers.”

Krysthel Moore and Quinnzel, her Border collie, who with a 15-foot jump made it to the finals in dock diving, drove eight hours from their home in Quebec. Quinnzel snoozed most of it, Ms. Moore, 40, said.

Quinnzel barely notices a change in surroundings, Ms. Moore added. “She doesn’t care where we are, she just likes to be close with me.”

Some attendees car-pooled to the show. Jenni Nieft and Kris Dunlap, who met at a dog show three years ago, drove from Wyoming for more than two days with Rowan, an 85-pound Bracco Italiano, and 52-pound Keeva, a Weimaraner. Both dogs will compete in breed judging on Tuesday.

“They start young, they’re crate-trained, they just get used to it,” said Ms. Nieft, 53, who added that on road trips, exercise and bathroom breaks are crucial. “We gear the trip around their comfort.”

Driving was the only transit option: Some dogs, like Rowan, are too big to fly, as commercial airlines have limits on weight and carrier size.

The dogs don’t travel light, as Jamie Goodrich, 41, elaborated. Traveling from Central Square, N.Y., north of Syracuse, she packed her 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan with two crates, two folding chairs, three gallons of water, emergency kits for both dogs and humans, two suitcases of human clothes, three leashes, days of kibble, grooming equipment — various brushes, clippers, a water mister, a table, scissors — and an electric fan.

“Oh, and the dog,” she said of Aero, her Akita who will compete in breed judging on Tuesday. (The fan keeps Aero from overheating backstage.)

Traveling by plane

Other dogs flew to New York, which required compiling myriad documents, getting vaccination shots in order, and fielding a minefield of varying airline policies and restrictions on breed and weight.

Janice Hayes, a 42-year-old professional handler from Palm Springs, Calif., flies regularly to show dogs. Buddy Holly, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, won the top prize at last year’s Westminster (“He has more miles than all of us,” Ms. Hayes said).

Buddy Holly is now retired, but made the trip again this year to bask in his final moments as reigning champion and to accompany three other show dogs. Britney and Spotify, also petit basset griffon Vendéens, are being shown, as is Hayden, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Because of their sizes, the three petit basset griffon Vendéens fly in crates and in the luggage hold. Hayden flew in the cabin.

Getting to the airport hours in advance is one of Ms. Hayes’s travel strategies, as is booking a seat on the side of the plane overlooking the plane’s hold — watching the dogs being loaded offers welcomed reassurance that the dogs too are en route.

Dozens of dogs traveled from abroad to compete in this year’s show. Anel Vazquez Franchini and her dog Khaleesi, a 5-year-old bearded collie, flew from Mexico City.

“We don’t have a lot of bearded collies here. It’s easy to win when you don't have competition,” said Ms. Vasquez Franchini of Mexico’s dog shows. The Westminster show, she said, is a coveted chance for Khaleesi — or Kaly, for short — to really prove herself.

The requirements for animals to travel internationally differ by country and can change frequently. Beginning in August, dogs entering the United States must be microchipped and be vaccinated against rabies.

Dogs living within the European Union who wish to travel internationally — or whose humans make that decision for them — must have their own pet passport . This document, issued by veterinarians, contains microchip registration, vaccine history and ownership information. It is mandatory for re-entry into the E.U.

Vitellozzo, a 2-year-old French bulldog living in Croatia with his handler, Valentina Zupan, has such a passport. He’s a seasoned international traveler — this is his second time in the United States.

While flying, Vitellozzo doesn’t need tranquilizers or other medication, said Ms. Zupan, 32. His crate fits under the airplane seat and he slept for most of their journey, which included driving to Budapest, flying to Warsaw, then to Chicago for another show, and then driving to New York.

Sharing rooms and beds

Hosting the dogs and their humans overnight are the hotels closest to the show venue, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

“Big dogs, small dogs, fancy dogs, regular dogs, it’s a lot,” said Raquan Williams, a front-desk clerk at the sold-out Four Points by Sheraton in Flushing. “We love it.”

In addition to nightly rates over $200, hotels generally charge a one-time pet fee that can run more than $100. Most Westminster handlers and owners share rooms with their dogs.

“My dogs take up a whole bed. I am lucky if I get to sleep at the top,” said Patty Berkovitz, 69, who with her partner Jack Florek, and two Irish Wolfhounds, Rowan and Brody, are staying at Hilton Garden Inn in Long Island City. Rowan and Brody will compete — against each other — in breed judging. All four creatures are in one room, and each of the dogs weighs more than 160 pounds.

With such large bedfellows, Mr. Florek, 71, joked that the key strategy was getting into bed before the dogs, something he neglected to do Friday night.

“I was the little spoon,” he said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of a photo caption with this article misidentified two terriers. Spangle, a Russell terrier, is pictured on the right, not left. Nora, a Cairn terrier, is on the left.

How we handle corrections

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Inside the Westminster Dog Show

Here are more good reads about good dogs..

Up Close and Personal:  The Westminster Dog Show is a flurry of activity, but stopping to take a close look reveals what makes breeds unique .

Behind the Curtain:  We spent the leadup to the final event at the 2020 event backstage at Westminster. This is what we saw .

Becoming a Judge:  For these canine experts, an invitation to pick the Westminster winners is an honor — and a serious responsibility. Here’s what it takes to do the job .

Quiz:  Do dogs really look like their owners? Put the theory to the test by trying to guess which prize pup belongs to which human .

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Want to join Valhalla Golf Club? Here’s what it will cost

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The host of this week's PGA Championship has been private since it opened in 1986, but ownership and membership policies have changed.

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If you’re hoping to gain entry to Valhalla , the eternal resting place of Norse mythology, you’ll need to die valiantly in battle. That’s one of the rules.

For access to that other Valhalla, in Louisville, Ky., where the PGA Championship is taking place this week, a different form of payment is required.

First opened for play in 1986, Valhalla Golf Club has been private since its inception. But its ownership has swapped hands on more than one occasion, and its membership policies have changed over time. 

A notable shift took place in 2022, when a small group of investors led by ISCO Industries CEO Jimmy Kirchdorfer purchased the club from the PGA of America, saying that their aim was to “protect Valhalla from profit-driven investors, who would likely develop the critical land surrounding our course.”

Shortly after the sale, new management announced a series of changes that did not sit well with everyone. In addition to eliminating corporate memberships and unaccompanied guest play, the club informed longtime members that they would have to forfeit their right to a refund of their initiation dues or be forced to leave the club.

A mini-uprising in the ranks ensued. Some members resigned.

PGA Championship course primer: 7 things to know about Valhalla

In a 2023 Golf Digest article about the controversy, one of those members lamented the direction the club had taken, saying that new ownership “wanted to turn Valhalla into a sort of Augusta. I don’t want it to be a showplace. For me, it’s just a golf club.”

However you describe it, Valhalla has long counted as the highest-profile club in the Louisville area, with major-championship pedigree adding to its prominence. This week’s PGA Championship marks the fourth time the club has welcomed the event.

That kind of prestige is one of many factors that can influence the price of a club membership. So, what does it cost to join Valhalla?

Club representatives did not respond to an inquiry from GOLF.com. But several sources with close knowledge of Valhalla, including a current member, told GOLF.com that initiation dues, which were formerly in the neighborhood of $75,000, are now $125,000, plus $1,000 in monthly dues. At last count, those sources said, Valhalla has roughly 275 Kentucky-based members and around 35 national members. A national membership, which sources said is limited to those living more than 100 miles from the club, costs $25,000 upfront, with approximately $500 in monthly dues.

Asked whether there was a waiting list, one source told GOLF.com, “You could join right now if you wanted.”

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Where is valhalla golf club meet the 2024 pga championship host, this laidback oregon resort boasts top-notch golf — complete with goat caddies, an even grander strand: inside the the latest renovations and improvements in myrtle beach.

A golf, food and travel writer, Josh Sens has been a GOLF Magazine contributor since 2004 and now contributes across all of GOLF’s platforms. His work has been anthologized in The Best American Sportswriting. He is also the co-author, with Sammy Hagar, of Are We Having Any Fun Yet: the Cooking and Partying Handbook.

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Seychelles & Madagascar: Islands of the Indian Ocean on Island Sky

November 6 - 22, 2025

Registration for this program is not yet open. Please click the "Join Waitlist" button to be notified when registration is available. No payment required. 

Group Size: up to 92 participants across all sponsors Price: Starting from $12,990 per person double occupancy, $20,790 single occupancy Co-sponsored with: To be announced

Trip Overview

Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles are known for crystal-clear waters, endless stretches of powdery white-sand beaches, a diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem, and a range of unique plant and animal species.

Your journey starts with two days in Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago and home to 90 per cent of the country’s population. With pristine beaches, lush forests, and dramatic mountains, it is a tropical paradise with a unique Creole culture that blends a wide range of influences.

Next, embark the 59-cabin Island Sky and cruise to the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, the remote Alphonse group, and finally to Aldabra, a vast coral atoll that is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises (over 100,000). The experienced Expedition Team of naturalists will lead several guided nature walks, plus there will be many opportunities for snorkeling among colorful reef fish, interesting coral formations, and various marine creatures.

Continue to Madagascar, a thousand-mile island boasting an impressive variety of spectacular landscapes from pristine coral reefs and coastal mangroves to virgin rain forests and native groves of Baobab trees. Geographically isolated for millions of years, nearly all of Madagascar’s intriguing animals and plants are found nowhere else on Earth, including nearly 100 varieties of lemurs. Madagascar’s people are also unique, having descended from Malay-Polynesian mariners, slaves from Africa, as well as traders from Arabia, India, and Portugal.

Schedule by Day

Accommodations.

• one night at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa
• Twelve nights aboard the Island Sky

Optional post-trip extension near Kruger National Park, South Africa

details coming soon

What to Expect

To be announced

Study Leader(s)

Mode of Travel

Related Trips

For more information.

Please email [email protected] or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.

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25 Things to Eat, See and Do This Summer — From Staying at Prince's Purple Rain House to Exploring an Ice Cave

From music festival hopping to trying the most delicious croissants in America, these travel spots don't need to wait for your bucket list

Eric Ogden; Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett

• Hike in a Flower Field

After the winter snow melts, the Rocky Mountain town of Crested Butte, Colo. , comes alive when miles of colorful wildflowers blanket its meadows. Visit during the July wildflower festival , when all the flowers are in full bloom.

2. Hang With the Penguins

Called the world’s largest penguin facility, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo is a massive 326,000-gallon, 25-ft.-deep aquatic habitat of ice, water and fresh snow. Visitors can walk through the underwater gallery with see-through tunnels and walls and observe the birds playing, swimming and exploring the world around them.

3. Stay Gold at The Outsiders House

Clutch Pockets Wambli/ZUMA Press Wire/Alamy; Nancy Moran/Sygma via Getty

Used as the Curtis brothers’ home in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film , the white bungalow in Tulsa, Okla. is now a museum with memorabilia and rare behind-the-scenes photos. The movie, based on S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel, starred then-newcomers Rob Lowe , Matt Dillon , Ralph Macchio , Patrick Swayze and Tom Cruise .

4. Immerse Yourself in Art

Brad Horn/Courtesy of Crystal Bridges

Jewel’s self-curated exhibit “The Portal” at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., features a 200-piece drone show , a meditative art walk and private works by the singer — including a painting she created of her son.

5. Spend a Day in Space

The Astronaut Training Experience at Kennedy Space Center in Florida lets kids experience the sensation of microgravity and walking on Mars — all while tackling real-world challenges using NASA science.

6. Indulge at a Wine Spa

Enjoy the beauty of Virginia’s wine region in a new way. At the Salamander Middleburg resort, pampering treatments include a pinot noir body wrap, a vino facial and a grape-seed scrub and massage.

7. Dine at the Newest Hot Spot

One of the toughest reservations to snag in New York City, Coqodaq has made Korean fried chicken and champagne the ultimate pairing. Order the bucket of ultra-crispy, rice-flour-breaded pieces (which includes an array of sides and dipping sauces!) and juicy chicken nuggets generously dolloped with caviar.

8. Make New Friends at Garth’s Bar

Blue Rose Inc

“A lot of love has gone into this building,” Garth Brooks said about his Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk , which opened in Nashville in March. Named after his 1990 hit song, the four-story venue boasts a retractable stage repurposed from his 1997 Central Park concert, a rooftop “Oasis” with 10-ft.-tall palm trees and a menu with dishes by wife and fellow Grammy winner Trisha Yearwood . “You can’t have a Garth Brooks bar and not have Trisha food in it,” she said. Favorites include Brooks’ lettuce-less Cobb salad (“just extra of all the good stuff”), chicken tenders and a spicy chili that, she said, stays “true to its Nashville hot chicken roots.”

9. See PEOPLE Through the Years

Masato Onoda/WWD/Penske Media via Getty

The “PEOPLE: Celebrating 50 Years” exhibit at Fotografiska museum in New York City showcases archival covers (see Mia Farrow on PEOPLE’s very first issue in 1974), iconic portraits and an interactive area that lets visitors become cover stars themselves! May 9-June 3

10 → 13. Rock Out at a Music Festival

Theo Wargo/Getty; Humphrey Nemar - WPA Pool/Getty; Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty

10. Minnesota Yacht Club

Catch sets by Gwen Stefani , Alanis Morissette and Red Hot Chili Peppers at the inaugural event in St. Paul. July 19-20.

11. Oceans Calling

Mario Skraban/Redferns; Mike Coppola/WireImage; C Brandon/Redferns

Dave Matthews Band , Blink-182 and the Killers headline the weekend along the Ocean City, Md., boardwalk. Sept. 27-29

12. Fool in Love

A long list of legends — like Diana Ross , Lionel Richie , Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight — will take the stage in L.A. Aug. 31

13. Sea.Hear.Now

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band return to their Asbury Park roots on the New Jersey Shore. Sept. 14-15

14. Channel Your Inner Cowboy

Western Skies Photography; Lacey Arnold

Dude ranches are having a renaissance since the release of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter . At Vee Bar Guest Ranch in Laramie, Wyo., guests of all ages can ride horses, work with cattle, fly-fish in the river and drift off to sleep beside a campfire under a star-filled sky.

15. Visit the Newest Theme Park Land

Universal Orlando Resort; Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Everett

Splash around Shrek’s swamp, scream out loud on the Trolls Trollercoaster, and learn new moves with Kung Fu Panda ’s Po when DreamWorks Land opens on June 14 at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.

16. Release a Lantern

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii

Walk down to the beach at sunset to watch as thousands of glowing rafts are set adrift at O‘ahu’s Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai’i festival to remember loved ones who are no longer with us. The lanterns are gathered up afterward and cleaned for use another year. May 27

17. Step Into a Picture Book

The Rabbit Hole

Children’s stories come to life at the Rabbit Hole , a new museum in Kansas City, Mo. Within the 40 life-size, book-themed exhibits — from Goodnight Moon to Caps for Sale to Robert the Rose Horse — kids play, touch, climb and, of course, read as much as they want.

18. Explore a Frozen World

Summer is the time to visit the Mendenhall Glacier — a 13-mile-long glacier located outside Juneau, Alaska — and the spectacular blue ice caves that have naturally formed inside.

19. Go Grazy in the Purple Rain House

In August Airbnb is allowing Prince fans to spend a night in the real Purple Rain house in Minneapolis. Guests can listen to unreleased music, browse memorabilia and sleep in the purple basement bedroom — a replica of the one from the 1983 film. Prince bought the home, now owned by his estate, in 2015.

20→23. Line Up For Croissants Gone Viral

20. crookie.

Thuy-Trung Pham

Mania for cookie-dough-stuffed croissants started in Paris earlier this year but has come stateside to Houston’s EaDough . They now offer flavors like birthday cake in addition to chocolate chip but, plan ahead, because they sell out almost every day.

21. Flat Croissant

@noonnamu

A spin on the trend that took off in South Korea earlier this year, the pressed croissants are buttery with a sugary, crunchy exterior. Alexander’s Patisserie in the San Francisco Bay Area offers classic plain and croissants dipped in flavors like mango and strawberry-chocolate.

23. Hot Chocolate Croissant

Lakon Paris Patisserie

At Lakon Paris Patisserie in Newton Highlands, Mass., their edible spiral croissant-cups are filled with sippable dark hot cocoa and topped with sweet whipped cream, mini marshmallows and chocolate pearls.

24. Croissant Cereal

Ashley Coiffard

Lines form early at Brooklyn’s L’Appartement 4F . Their bite-size croissants are painstakingly hand-rolled, coated in cinnamon-sugar syrup and meant to be eaten in a bowl with milk.

24. Do a UFO Road Trip

BRIDGET BENNETT/AFP via Getty; Mark Peterson/Corbis via Getty

The 487-mile loop from Las Vegas runs down Nevada’s Route 375, known as the Extraterrestrial Highway . Shop for souvenirs at the Alien Research Center (a gift shop with a two-story silver alien outside), eat saucer-shaped burgers at Little A’Le’Inn , and drive past Area 51 — the restricted military base that’s rumored to house UFO secrets.

25. Taste a Scene-Stealing Sundae

FX’s The Bear is a love letter to Chicago dining, even if Chef Carmy ( Jeremy Allen White ) is too busy putting out fires in his restaurant to explore the city. During season 2, Chef Sydney ( Ayo Edebiri ) stops by Margie’s Candies , a century-old candy and ice cream parlor, for its classic ice-cream sundae while getting the scoop on the local food scene. (In 1933 late owner George Poulos renamed the store after his wife, Margie Michaels.) Viewers left hungry for season 3 (premiering June 27) can scoot into a booth at the beloved spot or re-create a bit of the magic at home with this sundae recipe.

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• May 7, 2020

Interview with Evgenia Komarova, Personne Travel Club - quarantine and travel trends in Russia

Interview with Evgenia Komarova, CEO and Founder of a boutique travel company based in Moscow, Russia - Peronne Travel Club. Members of Traveler’s Made, Evgenia and her team are true travel designers! Evgenia is a mother of 3 kids, she is constantly on the move, always full of energy and as she mentioned it, Evgenia has a developed travel intuition! :) We covered the quarantine, travel trends from Russia, future collaboration with hotels, and more!

Connect with Evgenia and Personne Travel Club Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personatc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/komarovaea/ Personne Travel Club https://www.personne.ru/ Connect with Narjess Hamecha-Daniels Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/narjesshamechadaniels/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missnarjess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missnarjess OnlinK website: https://www.onlinkservices.com/

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• Onlink Insights

Delta's Largest Lounge In the Country Just Got Even Bigger — See Inside

The expansion, which T+L toured for its opening, now features an all-seasons sky deck and more than 100 additional seats.

Alison Fox/Travel + Leisure

When Delta Air Lines opened its Sky Club at LaGuardia Airport a couple years ago, it was the largest in its network. Now, it’s even bigger.

That’s thanks to a brand-new expansion, which the airline unveiled on Wednesday, adding nearly 4,500 square feet to the space and welcoming travelers to a four-seasons Sky Deck. The expansion, which Travel + Leisure toured for its opening, now features more than 700 seats spread out across 35,000 square feet.

Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

“Because it's 35,000 square feet, we divided the lounge to make sure that it's well balanced,” Claude Roussel, the VP of Sky Clubs and lounge experience for Delta, told T+L. “We have a lot of volume in New York … so when we think about those clubs, we don't design them for day one, we design them for way out because you can't expand the walls once you build it.”

“We're lucky enough that we really got prime space because these are incredible views, high ceiling heights, so it’s a really beautiful club," he added.

The lounge now features an all-seasons sky deck overlooking the runway, with the ability to keep it temperature controlled in winter and open up the roof for a nice breeze in the summer. There are comfortable lounge chairs and a high bar for working, all with views of planes taking off.

The expansion also includes a new premium bar and more than 100 additional seats.

The lounge first opened in 2022 as part of Delta’s completion of its terminal at LaGuardia Airport , consolidating terminals C and D. Once the object of many jokes , the now-modern airport features soaring ceilings, local art, and high-end shopping from brands like upstate New York cosmetic company Beekman 1802.

Beyond the new addition, the lounge also welcomes travelers with wireless charging pads, several phone booths for a bit of quiet time, and an excellent buffet with food curated by a revolving roster of high-end local chefs. This month it was Einat Admony of New York’s fine-dining Middle Eastern restaurant Balaboosta and falafel chain, Taim.

“It's great exposure for chefs — there are a lot of eyeballs on that collab and [it’s] just fun,” Admony told T+L as she passed out hors d'oeuvres, like a sabich tostada, a take on the famous Middle Eastern sandwich with eggplant and hard boiled eggs.

Courtesy of Samantha Marcus

Admony, a huge fan of Delta herself, hopes her food is the perfect sendoff for travelers. This is her second time collaborating with the airline.

“Hopefully, they are exposed to something new: some different flavors, some different sauce, and different technique, and something that they can carry with [them] and get inspired,” she said.

Of course, the expansion of the Sky Club comes as Delta seeks to control the number of passengers who can access its lounges . Starting Feb. 1, 2025, the airline will implement limits on visits from applicable credit card holders.

“The changes to access that we’ve put in place… are not meant for next year. They’re meant for the longevity of our Sky Club because obviously you have more and more card members, you have a growing population. And so you have to address [that] ebb and flow,” Roussel said. “Our business is not looking at next year or tomorrow morning, it’s looking at five years, seven years down the road.”

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