Almelo Travel Guide

Explore Almelo, a charming Dutch town with rich history, natural beauty, and delicious food. This comprehensive travel guide includes top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food scene, where to stay, and local culture.


Introduction to Almelo

Have you heard of Almelo? This lesser-known Dutch town in the province of Overijssel is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Almelo has a rich history dating back to the 13th century and boasts a charming blend of traditional and modern architecture. It is also home to stunning natural landscapes, hiking and biking routes, and delicious local cuisine.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to see and do in Almelo, from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and local food. We’ll also provide practical information on where to stay, how to get around, and when to visit.

List of Places to Visit in Almelo

Almelo may be a small town, but it packs plenty of sights, sounds and experiences for tourists to discover. Here are some of the top places to visit in Almelo:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Stadsmuseum Almelo: Discover the town’s rich industrial past and contemporary art scene at this museum.
  • The Windmill of Almelo: A heritage-listed industrial windmill dating back to the 1840s with a unique story to tell.
  • Huis Almelo: A stately home that is still owned by the Almelo family and dates back to the 17th century.

Natural Attractions of Almelo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gravenallee: This 17th-century avenue features a double row of large trees and is a popular spot for hiking and biking.
  • Het Nijreesbos: A beautiful forest and wetland area with a network of hiking trails.
  • The Almelo Canal: This scenic waterway is perfect for boating, canoeing, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Almelo

Almelo is surrounded by beautiful forests, wetlands, and countryside, making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes to explore in Almelo:

  • Twente Estate Route: A 38-kilometer route taking you through the scenic countryside of Twente with plenty of historical landmarks to discover along the way.
  • Nijreesbos Route: A 10-kilometer route through the Het Nijreesbos forest and wetland area.
  • The Almelo-Zuid Route: A 5-kilometer suburban route through the southern part of Almelo, showcasing the town’s modern architecture.

Best Things to Do in Almelo: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Almelo offers plenty of other activities and tours to keep tourists busy, here are some top recommendations:

  • Boat Tour of the Almelo Canal: Take a relaxing journey on the town’s scenic waterway.
  • Twickel Castle Tour: A beautiful 17th-century castle with stunning gardens, parks, and woods.
  • Almelo Beer Tour: A guided tour of local breweries and beer tasting sessions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Almelo

If you have a week to spare in Almelo, here’s a suggested itinerary that takes you through some of the town’s best attractions:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Stadsmuseum Almelo
2 Explore the Windmill of Almelo and Het Nijreesbos
3 Discover the Huis Almelo historic home
4 Take a bike ride along the Twente Estate Route
5 Boat tour of the Almelo Canal and Almelo Beer Tour
6 Visit Twickel Castle
7 Shop for souvenirs and local products in Almelo’s markets

Food and Drink Scene of Almelo

No trip to Almelo is complete without trying out the local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poffertjes: Delicious mini Dutch pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter.
  • Krentenwegge: A sweet loaf made with raisins and currants.
  • Bitterballen: Deep-fried meatballs served with mustard.

Local Beverages

  • Grolsch Beer: A famous Dutch beer brewed in nearby town Enschede.
  • Berenburg: A herbal liqueur made from a mix of over 20 spices.
  • Jenever: A Dutch gin commonly served neat or as a cocktail ingredient.

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

Almelo offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are some top choices:

  • Hotel Herikerberg: A charming hotel located at the foot of the Herikerberg hill.
  • Hotel Restaurant De Bokkepruik: A luxury hotel and restaurant located in an 18th-century farmhouse.
  • **B&B De Klump: ** A cozy bed and breakfast located in a 150-year-old farmhouse.

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

Almelo offers a range of unique souvenirs and local products to take home. Here are some top picks:

  • Almelo Beer: Take home a bottle of Grolsch beer from the town’s famous brewery.
  • Poffertjes Pan: A mini-pan used to make poffertjes, perfect for souvenir hunters who love to cook.
  • Delft Blue Ceramics: Take home authentic Delft Blue ceramics from the Almelo markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Almelo

Almelo is a friendly and welcoming town with a proud history of craftsmanship. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Almelo

The best time to visit Almelo is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and the town is bustling with festivals, markets, and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Almelo

Do:

  • Say “Hallo!” to locals and smile
  • Try out the local cuisine and beer
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about the town’s rich history

Don’t:

  • Litter in public areas
  • Enter a home without being invited by the owner
  • Wear shoes inside a home

Safety and Health

Safety in Almelo

Almelo is a relatively safe town, but visitors should take common-sense precautions, such as locking valuables in hotel safes and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Almelo

Almelo has a good healthcare system, and visitors are advised to carry their travel insurance in case of any medical emergencies.

Getting to Almelo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Almelo is easily accessible by a range of transport options. Here are some suggestions:

Airports Near Almelo

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
  • Eindhoven Airport
  • Münster Osnabrück International Airport

Bus Stations Near Almelo

  • Almelo Central Bus Station
  • Almelo East Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train services are available to Almelo from various parts of the country.

How to Get Around in Almelo

Almelo is a small town that is easy to get around on foot or by bike. Alternatively, tourists can use the local bus service or hire a car.

Where to Go Next from Almelo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Almelo is an excellent starting point for exploring other parts of the Netherlands and Germany. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Deventer: A charming Dutch town with a well-preserved medieval center.
  • Münster: Take a day trip to this historic German city, famous for its Baroque architecture and museums.
  • Ootmarsum: A quaint town with cobbled streets, art galleries, and charming cafes.

Conclusion

Almelo is a charming Dutch town that offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. Visit Almelo and experience authentic Dutch hospitality, culture, and beauty!

Huis Almelo Huis Almelo Almelo train station. Almelo train station.