Your Stay in a B&B Overijssel
Overijssel is a province known for its modern cities, lush nature, and enchanting villages, but most notably for its connection to water. Polders, lakes, and rivers have shaped the history of this region, whose towns were once part of the Hanseatic League. Discover all this and more from your B&B Overijssel!
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Giethoorn and Other Points of Interest
The IJssel River winds through the western part of Overijssel, linking charming towns with breathtaking landscapes. Book a B&B in Overijssel’s crown jewel, Giethoorn, often called the "Venice of the North." This car-free, storybook village is a magical place where canals connect its picturesque, thatched-roof houses. Explore the Hanseatic cities, where grand merchant houses, cobblestone streets, and historic harbours tell the story of a prosperous trading past. Nearby, the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, one of Europe’s largest lowland marshes, invites you to discover its maze of lakes, ponds, and rivers teeming with wildlife. There’s no better way to explore this enchanting region than by water.
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IJsselmeer: The Largest Lake
This nearly 1,000-square-kilometre lake was formed when the Afsluitdijk dam was completed in 1932, transforming a once-open bay prone to catastrophic floods into a serene freshwater haven. Today, the lake’s historic port towns, such as Volendam and Monnickendam, are a reminder of the region’s thriving maritime trade, and IJsselmeer has now become a paradise for watersport enthusiasts and beach lovers. Families will love the sandy shores of Lemmerstrand, while adventurers can enjoy sailing and windsurfing. For cyclists, the 400 km route around the lake offers the perfect multi-stage journey, staying in B&B Overijssel along the way.
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Twente: Classic Dutch Countryside
Escape to the serene region of Twente, where rolling fields, dense forests, and scenic trails set the scene for a network of hiking and cycling routes. The Dutch countryside here is dotted with quaint farmhouses, stately castles, parks, lush estates and, of course, bed and breakfasts. Twente’s cities, including Almelo, Hengelo, and Enschede, add a cultural flair with vibrant theatres, museums, and cosy streets that invite you to dine and shop. For a dose of nostalgia, ride the steam train between Haaksbergen and Boekelo at the Buurtspoorweg Museum.
Hanseatic Cities
One of Overijssel’s main highlights is undoubtedly its prestigious Hanseatic cities. Once part of the powerful Hanseatic League, these towns are living monuments to the region's medieval trading legacy. Cities like Deventer, Kampen, and Hasselt boast stunning architecture and winding streets steeped in history. Zwolle, a modern city with medieval roots, is particularly enchanting. Visit its iconic Sassenpoort gate, climb the Peperbus Tower, and indulge in the city’s famous Zwolse Balletjes sweets, crafted here since 1845.
Two Major Regions
Overijssel is divided into two main regions: Salland and Twente. Salland, with its capital in Zwolle, blends urban convenience with natural beauty, while Twente offers a more rural, traditional charm centred around Enschede.
Where is Overijssel and How to Get There
Overijssel is located in the northeastern Netherlands, bordering Germany. The province is easily accessible by flying into Amsterdam Airport Schipol, then taking a train or driving to key cities like Zwolle, Deventer, or Enschede. Alternatively, you can fly into Eindhoven, which is well-served by many low-cost airlines.
Travel ideas
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Overijssel shares its borders with three provinces: Gelderland to the south, Flevoland to the west, and Drenthe to the north. Gelderland boasts vast forests and heathlands in the Veluwe, the scenic Rivierenland along the Maas and Waal rivers, and vibrant cities like Arnhem and Nijmegen. Flevoland, a remarkable polder created in 1986, features miles of dykes and the historic former islands of Schokland and Urk. Here, you can explore the longest tulip route in the Netherlands or enjoy the thrills of Walibi Holland theme park. In Drenthe, uncover ancient megalithic tombs and wander through nature reserves like Dwingelderveld and Drents-Fries Wold. The province’s distinctive landscapes and light even inspired Vincent van Gogh. Wherever you wander, a bed and breakfast in Overijssel makes the perfect base for your adventures.