Discover Overijssel | A Visitor's Introduction to Overijssel
Recommended places to visit, places to stay and things to do in Overijssel
Overijssel, in the eastern Netherlands, is a province of rivers, meadows, historic towns, and surprisingly diverse landscapes. Known as the “Garden of the Netherlands” for its green beauty, it combines peaceful countryside with charming Hanseatic cities, picturesque villages, and unique waterways. Bordered by Germany to the east and Flevoland to the west, Overijssel is split into three distinctive regions: the river plains of Salland, the wooded hills of Twente, and the wetlands of the Kop van Overijssel. Whether you’re into cycling, history, nature, or just relaxing by the water, Overijssel offers a slower-paced Dutch experience with plenty to explore.
Recommended Overijssel Accommodation: Hotels
Why is Overijssel Worth a Visit?
Overijssel is worth visiting for its blend of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and postcard-worthy towns. You can spend one day gliding through canals in Giethoorn – the “Venice of the North” – and the next exploring medieval squares in Zwolle or Kampen. The province is also home to national parks, vast heathlands, and historic estates, making it a dream for walkers and cyclists.
The Hanseatic history along the River IJssel gives Overijssel a rich architectural legacy, while Twente’s farmlands and castles add rural charm. Its waterways, from the Weerribben wetlands to the Vecht and Regge rivers, make it perfect for boat trips and waterside relaxation. Overijssel is less tourist-heavy than the Dutch west, so you’ll find space to breathe and enjoy authentic local life.
Overijssel Highlights: Things to See and Do in Overijssel
Giethoorn
Probably the most famous village in Overijssel, Giethoorn is known for its network of canals, thatched-roof farmhouses, and wooden bridges. Boats replace cars here, and visitors can rent a whisper boat (electric motor) or canoe to glide between picturesque homes and gardens.
Zwolle
The provincial capital, Zwolle blends medieval architecture with a lively modern centre. Highlights include the Sassenpoort city gate, the Museum de Fundatie with its striking rooftop dome, and the 15th-century Grote Kerk. Zwolle’s dining scene is excellent, with De Librije, a Michelin three-star restaurant, among its culinary stars.
Kampen
A former Hanseatic city on the River IJssel, Kampen boasts over 500 monuments, including city gates, churches, and merchant houses. The riverfront is perfect for a stroll, and the city’s maritime heritage is celebrated with events and museums.
Weerribben-Wieden National Park
This vast wetland is one of the most important peat bog reserves in Europe. It’s a paradise for canoeing, cycling, and birdwatching, with picturesque waterways, reed beds, and traditional villages like Belt-Schutsloot.
Ootmarsum
A charming art town in Twente, Ootmarsum is filled with galleries, craft shops, and cobbled streets. The open-air museum here recreates rural life in the region, and the surrounding countryside is perfect for gentle cycling routes.
Deventer
Although part of the Hanseatic League and located just across the border in Gelderland, Deventer is closely connected to Overijssel’s IJssel valley and is often combined with a visit to Kampen or Zwolle. Known for its annual book market, historic squares, and Lebuinuskerk, it’s a must for history lovers.
Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park
This hilly nature reserve offers heathlands, forests, and panoramic viewpoints. In late summer, the purple heather blooms spectacularly. The park has well-marked hiking and cycling trails, as well as a visitor centre.
Twickel Castle (Kasteel Twickel)
Near Delden in Twente, Twickel Castle is surrounded by landscaped gardens, orchards, and parkland. While the castle itself is privately owned, the estate’s grounds and walking trails are open to visitors.
River Vecht Region
Flowing from Germany into Overijssel, the Vecht passes through picturesque towns like Ommen and Hardenberg. Cycling and walking paths along the river offer peaceful views and opportunities for waterside picnics.
Practical Advice for Visitors
Getting There
Zwolle is about 1 hour by train from Amsterdam and well connected to other Dutch cities. Giethoorn can be reached by bus from Steenwijk, which has a rail link to Zwolle and Leeuwarden. By car, Overijssel is easy to navigate, with well-maintained roads linking towns and villages.
Parking
Most towns have central car parks and street parking, though in Giethoorn you’ll need to park on the outskirts and walk or take a boat. National parks have designated parking near visitor centres.
Dining
Overijssel’s cuisine reflects its agricultural roots. Expect hearty meat dishes in Twente, fresh fish along the IJssel, and local cheeses in rural markets. De Librije in Zwolle is world-famous, but there are plenty of cosy bistros and pancake houses across the province.
Shopping
Zwolle and Kampen have lively shopping streets with fashion, books, and local products. Ootmarsum is the best for artisan crafts and art galleries, while farmers’ markets in rural areas sell honey, jams, and fresh produce.
When to Visit
Spring brings blossoms and mild weather for cycling. Summer is ideal for boating in Giethoorn or the Weerribben. Late August and early September are perfect for heathland blooms in Sallandse Heuvelrug. Autumn colours are beautiful in Twente’s forests, while winter brings a cosy atmosphere to the province’s towns.
Local Events
Zwolle’s Blauwvingerdagen summer markets, Kampen’s Sail Kampen maritime festival, and Ootmarsum’s art weekends are highlights. Deventer’s nearby Dickens Festijn in December transforms the city into a Victorian wonderland.
Exploring Beyond Overijssel
From Overijssel, you can easily reach Drenthe’s prehistoric hunebedden (megalithic tombs), Friesland’s lakes, or the Veluwe in Gelderland. The German Münsterland region is also close enough for a day trip.
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