Spend a relaxing weekend away or a longer holiday in Overijssel, a diverse province in the east of the Netherlands. Discover the nature, spend the day outdoors with the kids or enjoy the lovely museums. And don’t miss the oldest stone house in the Netherlands!
The province, whose borders have shifted several times over the centuries, once consisted of the regions Twente, Salland and Northwest Overijssel. The three regions were merged in 1528, when Charles V bought the land from the bishop of Utrecht.
Enjoy some history while visiting the oldest stone house in the Netherlands, De Proosdij in Deventer. The oldest part of the wall dates back to the year 900! The village of Giethoorn is also an absolute must. Its bridges and water provide for a very romantic atmosphere.
If you're looking for a big city full of cultural attractions, shopping streets and exciting night life, you'll love Zwolle. Walk around town, visit the Stedelijk Museum Zwolle and go shopping in Diezerstraat.
If you're travelling with the kids, consider heading out to National Park Weerribben-Wieden in the northwest of the province. Take a boat tour and try to spot deer and otters.
Another fun thing to do with the kids is theme park Avonturenpark Hellendoorn, which has some 30 attractions. Take photos of the kids on one of the roller coasters and enjoy some family fun.
Overijssel is the perfect destination for bicycle tours. Stay in Meppel, for example, and hire a bicycle. Head out to Giethoorn and spend the afternoon cycling in the nearby national park. If you decide to stay in Zwolle, visit the surrounding villages.
If you're travelling by public transport, Overijssel is best reached by train. You can catch a train to most of the towns in this province, including Kampen, Ommen, Zwolle and Wierden. Overijssel is also easy to reach by car.
Overijssel is a diverse province full of charm and cultural history. Whether you're visiting for the first, second or third time, you’ll find that there's always something new to discover!