Overijssel Travel Guide

Discover the best of Overijssel with our comprehensive tour guide. Explore culturally significant museums and historical places, hike and bike scenic routes, enjoy outdoor adventures, and try local delicacies.


Introduction to Overijssel

Overijssel is a popular province located in the eastern part of the Netherlands. It is known for its serene landscapes, historical villages, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. The region is frequently visited by tourists for its natural beauty, scenic biking and hiking routes, and outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive tour guide, we have compiled a list of things to do, places to visit, and local experiences to try when exploring Overijssel.

List of Places to Visit in Overijssel

Overijssel has something for everyone, from charming historical towns to serene natural areas. Here are some of the must-visit places in Overijssel:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hanzestad Deventer - A medieval city with well-preserved architecture and an impressive history.
  • Rijksmuseum Twenthe - An art museum showcasing local and international art spanning eight centuries.
  • Museum de Fundatie - An art museum located in two historic buildings, featuring works of both old masters and contemporary artists.
  • Historic Hanseatic Town of Kampen - An ancient town with well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets.

Natural Attractions of Overijssel: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • National Park Weerribben-Wieden - A stunning wetland area with vast stretches of reed beds and marshes.
  • Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park - A hilly area with vast woodlands, open heathlands, and heather-covered moors.
  • Giethoorn - A charming village known as the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its canals and wooden bridges.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Overijssel

Overijssel has numerous trails, both on road and off-road, that attract hikers and cyclists from all over the world. Here are some of the popular trails:

  • Salland Trail - This trail passes through the scenic Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park and is known for its hilly terrain and stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Overijssels Havezatenpad - A 170km trail that takes you through the beautiful countryside and past many historic estates, former castles, and manor houses.
  • **Twente ** - The Twente region has over 2000km of bike routes, showcasing stunning landscapes, charming towns, and historic sites.

Best Things to Do in Overijssel: Activities and Tours

Explore Overijssel with these fun activities and tours:

  • Canal tours in Giethoorn - A great way to explore the charming canals, nature reserves and historic landmarks of Giethoorn.
  • Hot air balloon tours over Twente – For a bird’s-eye view over the beautiful rolling landscapes of the Twente region.
  • Traditional Dutch windmill tours - Visit a historic windmill and learn about their importance to the Dutch culture and history.

Week-Long Itinerary for Overijssel

If you’re planning to spend a week in Overijssel, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1 Deventer
Day 2 Kampen
Day 3 Zwolle
Day 4 Giethoorn
Day 5 National Park Weerribben-Wieden
Day 6 Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park
Day 7 Enschede

Food and Drink Scene of Overijssel

Overijssel is widely known for its smoked sausages, cheeses, and beer. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rookworst - A smoked sausage made from beef or pork and seasoned with traditional Dutch spices.
  • Zwetschgenploot - A sweet bread filled with plums and butter.
  • Boerenjongens - A traditional Dutch dessert of raisins marinated in brandy and served with vanilla ice cream.

Local Beverages

  • Grolsch beer - A famous Dutch beer that originated in the Overijssel region.
  • Jenever - A Dutch gin-based, traditional alcoholic drink.

Where to Stay in Overijssel: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Overijssel offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some popular choices:

  • Deventer - Hotel Hanzestadslogement or Sandton IJsselhotel.
  • Giethoorn - Hotel Restaurant De Jonge or Hotel de Harmonie.
  • Zwolle - Hotel Lumen or Bilderberg Grand Hotel Wientjes.

What to Buy in Overijssel: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Overijssel is home to a variety of locally-made delicacies and crafts. Here are some popular souvenirs:

  • Zwolse Balletjes - A locally made candy made from a mixture of sugar, honey, and anise.
  • Delftware Pottery - A beautiful type of blue-and-white pottery made in Delft for centuries.

Local Culture and Customs of Overijssel

In Overijssel, the locals are proud of their heritage and culture. They value simplicity, hard work, and respect for nature. Cycling is a way of life in the region, and locals take pride in protecting their natural surroundings through conservation efforts.

Best Time to Visit Overijssel

The best time to visit Overijssel is between April and September when the weather is most pleasant and suitable for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Overijssel

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including smoked sausages, cheeses, and beer.
  • Explore the region’s natural beauty, including national parks and scenic routes.
  • Respect nature and the environment, and follow the local environmental guidelines.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment.
  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.
  • Ignore cycling etiquettes while cycling in the region.

Safety and Health

Safety in Overijssel

Overijssel is a relatively safe region with low crime rates, but it’s always advisable to take common safety precautions and be vigilant. Follow local safety guidelines and regulations and avoid walking alone in the dark or poorly lit areas.

Health in Overijssel

Overijssel has excellent healthcare facilities, and medical emergencies are handled efficiently. Ensure you have comprehensive medical insurance coverage before travel.

Getting to Overijssel: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Overijssel

The closest airport to Overijssel is Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, located approximately 120 km away from the region.

Bus Stations Near Overijssel

Travelers can reach Overijssel by bus from major cities in the Netherlands. The bus service in the region is well developed and affordable.

Other Options

Another option for getting to Overijssel is by train. There are direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands from Overijssel.

How to Get Around in Overijssel

Exploring Overijssel is best done by bicycle or on foot. Several bike rental shops and tours are located in the major cities and towns.

Where to Go Next from Overijssel: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some popular excursions and destinations from Overijssel include:

  • Amsterdam - the capital city of the Netherlands, famous for its art, architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Utrecht - A historic city known for its ancient canals, museums, and beautiful parks.

Conclusion

Overijssel is a beautiful region that offers something for everyone. From quaint historical towns to scenic natural landscapes, from cultural attractions to outdoor activities, the region is worth exploring. With this comprehensive tour guide, you can make the most of your trip to Overijssel and create unforgettable memories.



    Almelo
    Deventer
    Dinkelland
    Enschede
    Giethoorn
    Kampen
    Oldenzaal
    Ommen