I am always on the lookout for stunning places that offer the perfect backdrop for my camera. Zwolle, with its charming blend of historic architecture, beautiful canals, and picturesque parks, is an absolute goldmine for scenic photography. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an avid Instagrammer, the city provides numerous vantage points for capturing memorable moments.
I’m going to share with you the best spots in Zwolle to catch the most breathtaking views, tips on how to take the perfect shots, and recommendations for the best time to visit each location. From tranquil canals to historical landmarks, Zwolle offers a variety of picturesque backdrops that are sure to make any traveler’s photo album come to life.
1. The Sassenpoort: A Glimpse into Zwolle’s History
Location: Sassenstraat 1, 8011 BC Zwolle
How to Get There: The Sassenpoort is located just a short walk from the city center. From Zwolle’s main train station, you can walk for about 15 minutes, or you can take bus lines 1 or 7, which will get you close to the city gates.
The Sassenpoort is one of Zwolle’s most iconic landmarks, and a must-visit for anyone interested in historical architecture and stunning photography opportunities. This medieval gate, built in the 14th century, offers a truly unique perspective of the city. With its towering brick walls, ornate details, and surrounding greenery, it creates a striking contrast between the ancient and the modern world of Zwolle.
Best Photography Tips:
- Golden Hour Magic: The best time to photograph Sassenpoort is during the golden hour—shortly before sunrise or after sunset. The soft, warm light creates dramatic shadows and enhances the texture of the building’s weathered stone.
- Framing Your Shot: To capture the Sassenpoort in all its grandeur, stand across the street or on the small bridge that runs in front of it. You’ll get a beautiful symmetrical shot, with the gate framed by lush trees and the open blue sky.
- Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens can help you capture the full grandeur of the gate while keeping the surrounding elements in frame, like the canal and the green park that sits next to it.
Personal Experience:
When I visited the Sassenpoort, I was immediately struck by how well-preserved the structure is. It felt like stepping back in time, and capturing it in photos was a real treat. The surrounding area is equally charming, with canals and cobbled streets offering endless opportunities for photography.
Tip: Try to avoid visiting in the middle of the day when the sunlight can be too harsh, and the area gets crowded with tourists. Early mornings or late afternoons will provide you with the best lighting and fewer people in your photos.
2. The City Canal: Zwolle’s Picturesque Waterways
Location: The city canal runs through the center of Zwolle, passing by key landmarks like the Sassenpoort, the Zwolle City Museum, and the museum gardens.
How to Get There: The canal is within walking distance of most of Zwolle’s main attractions. If you’re arriving by train, simply follow the main road, and you’ll quickly reach the waterway.
Zwolle’s City Canal is one of the most photogenic places in the city, especially when you consider how it reflects the surrounding architecture. The canal winds through the heart of Zwolle, offering stunning views of the city’s historic buildings, charming bridges, and lush greenery.
Best Photography Tips:
- Reflections at Dusk: The best time to photograph the canal is at dusk, when the city’s lights start to glow and reflect off the water. The soft light of the setting sun combined with the golden hues of streetlights creates a magical atmosphere.
- Capture the Bridges: Zwolle has several beautiful bridges that cross the canal, including the Blauwvinger Bridge and The Sassenpoort Bridge, both offering unique perspectives for photography. A great shot is to capture the bridge with the water beneath it, reflecting the scene above.
- Use a Polarizing Filter: If you’re photographing during the day, a polarizing filter can help eliminate glare from the water, allowing you to get crisp, clear shots of the canal and the surrounding buildings.
Personal Experience:
I spent an afternoon walking along the canal, taking photos of the changing landscape as the sun dipped lower in the sky. It was a truly magical experience, and the reflections in the water provided some of my favorite shots of Zwolle. The canal is a peaceful spot to just sit and relax while also offering plenty of opportunities for snapping a great shot.
Tip: For the best photos, head to the canal during the golden hour when the water reflects the surrounding architecture and soft light creates a dreamy atmosphere.
3. The Tower of the Grote Kerk: A Bird’s-Eye View of Zwolle
Location: Grote Markt, 8011 NW Zwolle
How to Get There: The Grote Kerk (also known as the St. Michael’s Church) is located in the heart of Zwolle, just a short walk from the central train station. The entrance to the tower is at the back of the church, and you can either purchase tickets online or at the entrance.
If you want to capture an aerial view of Zwolle, the Grote Kerk Tower is the place to go. Climbing the tower gives you an unparalleled panoramic view of the city, its red-tiled roofs, winding canals, and the surrounding countryside. It’s one of the best spots for capturing the overall layout of Zwolle from above.
Best Photography Tips:
- Wide-Angle Lens for the Full Cityscape: A wide-angle lens will help you capture the vastness of the city below, especially the unique rooftops and historical buildings that dot the skyline.
- Shoot in the Morning: To avoid harsh shadows and to capture the soft light of the early morning, try visiting the tower early. It will also give you a quieter, more peaceful experience compared to later in the day.
- Panorama Shots: The panoramic views from the top allow you to take stunning wide shots of Zwolle. I recommend shooting multiple frames and stitching them together later for a complete panoramic image.
Personal Experience:
Climbing the narrow staircase to the top of the Grote Kerk Tower was a bit of a workout, but once I reached the top, I was rewarded with breathtaking views of the entire city. I spent about 30 minutes at the top, just taking in the scenery and snapping as many photos as I could. The experience of being up so high, surrounded by history, was truly unforgettable.
Tip: The tower can get crowded during peak hours, so if you want the best shots without other people in your frame, I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
4. The Zwarte Water: Zwolle’s Serene Riverbank
Location: The Zwarte Water river flows through the outskirts of Zwolle, creating a serene waterway lined with trees and wildlife.
How to Get There: From Zwolle’s central train station, take bus lines 8 or 15, which will take you to the riverbank in just a few minutes.
The Zwarte Water river offers a peaceful escape from the more tourist-heavy parts of Zwolle, and it’s a fantastic spot for capturing nature photography. The river is lined with trees and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This is a great spot for those who enjoy photography that focuses on both the natural and architectural beauty of a place.
Best Photography Tips:
- Golden Hour Lighting: Like the City Canal, the Zwarte Water looks spectacular during the golden hour, when the sunlight creates warm reflections on the water’s surface.
- Wildlife Shots: The riverbanks are home to various birds, ducks, and even swans. If you enjoy wildlife photography, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here to snap pictures of animals in their natural habitat.
- Incorporate the Trees: The tall trees lining the river provide excellent framing for your shots, especially in the autumn when the leaves change color.
Personal Experience:
I spent a quiet morning walking along the Zwarte Water, camera in hand. The river’s peaceful flow and the surrounding greenery made it one of my favorite spots for capturing the beauty of Zwolle’s nature. The wildlife was also a highlight, and I managed to snap a few incredible photos of swans gliding across the water.
Tip: If you’re a nature photographer or a birdwatcher, be sure to bring a telephoto lens to get close-up shots of the wildlife along the river.
5. The Museum Gardens: A Tranquil Escape in the City
Location: Zwolle City Museum Gardens, 8011 ZZ Zwolle
How to Get There: The museum is located just a short walk from the city center. From Zwolle Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk, and you’ll pass through some of the city’s lovely streets on your way.
The Museum Gardens are a hidden oasis in Zwolle, offering a tranquil setting for both nature lovers and photographers alike. This peaceful garden, located behind the Zwolle City Museum, offers stunning views of lush greenery, manicured flower beds, and charming garden structures.
Best Photography Tips:
- Framing with Flowers: The beautifully arranged flowers provide a lovely backdrop for any photo. The vibrant colors of the flowers make for excellent subjects, especially when captured in natural light.
- Capture the Calm Atmosphere: The garden’s peaceful vibe can be captured in your photos by focusing on the stillness of the water features and the symmetry of the garden’s design.
Personal Experience:
During my visit to the Museum Gardens, I enjoyed spending time among the flowers and taking photos of the serene environment. It’s a perfect place for getting lost in thought while capturing the natural beauty around you.
Tip: The Museum Gardens are also less crowded than other areas of Zwolle, so it’s an ideal location for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some quiet photography time.
Zwolle offers an incredible range of scenic photo ops, from the historic Sassenpoort and the iconic City Canal to the peaceful riverside and tranquil gardens. Each spot offers a unique perspective of the city and is perfect for capturing stunning photographs. Whether you’re into architecture, nature, or wildlife photography, Zwolle provides the perfect blend of beauty and charm.
When visiting these locations, make sure to bring the right camera gear, check the weather in advance, and visit during the golden hour for the best lighting. Also, don’t forget to enjoy the surroundings and take in the beauty of Zwolle beyond the lens.