Home

Zwolle's motto is short, but punchy: home. Make yourself at home in and around the city. Travel to the woods, the meadows or the wonderful IJssel river for some peace and quiet, or rather let the town’s lively spirit envelop you.

Regional centre

Zwolle is a medium-sized Dutch city with nearly 115,000 residents. The population is relatively young and increases by the year. Zwolle plays a key central role in the region. Large administrative, educational and health-care institutions are located here.

Convenient and familiar

The compact centre features moats, which are so characteristic of old Dutch towns, narrow lanes, beautiful buildings and imposing churches. Zwolle’s distinguishing central feature is ‘De Peperbus’, a 15th century tower with a striking round roof which is reminiscent of a peppermill. Zwolle’s small-scale nature means you will be able to find your way around and feel at home in no time.

Zwollenaar (resident of Zwolle)

The Dutch are well known for their helpfulness and openness. If you ask someone on the street a question, you can expect a friendly answer or help. It is also a nice perk that most people can speak a fair bit of English. What qualities do Zwollenaars posses? They have a fairly quiet nature, with initial caution eventually giving way to a warmth that ensures you will have loyal and reliable friends for life.

Student life

Zwolle’s student life is very active. ‘Het Vliegende Paard’ is open daily for snacks, drinks, films or games evenings. The perfect way to get to know others! There are also plenty of other options for relaxation and sport.

Carnival

Zwollenaars are normally fairly quiet, but once a year the residents of this town let their hair down big time! Zwolle is the only town in the northern Netherlands in which carnival is celebrated on a grand scale. Carnival is an exuberant popular festival during which everyone takes to the streets in lavish and bizarre costumes. Not to be missed! (Dates vary every year : 14 February 2010, 6 March 2011).