In medieval times, Zwolle was an important and wealthy city, a member of the Hanseatic League. Many of the buildings erected in those glory days still remain.
From Amsterdam, Zwolle can be reached by taking the A1 and then the A28.
Direct intercity services connect Zwolle to Amsterdam as well as Schiphol Airport. In both cases, the journey will take about 90 minutes.
Just north of Zwolle's railway station lies its compact medieval centre. Most of the walls once surrounding it have been demolished, but it is still clearly delineated by the defensive canal. Within walking distance of each other you can find many old picturesque old buildings, including:
Other attractions include:
The smaller but equally picturesque city of Kampen lies about 10 km west of Zwolle. Further to the north lie the unique and very picturesque Giethoorn (sometimes called the "Green Venice") and the Weerribben National Park. The forests about 20 km to the east, around the town of Ommen, are a great area for cycling.