IJsselhallen Zwolle

The IJsselhallen is the main exhibition and event complex of Zwolle, the capital of the province of Overijssel. Its large halls are used for trade fairs, consumer shows, concerts, conferences and public exhibitions, and the programme changes through the year. For most visitors it is not a sight in the traditional sense but a venue, and whether it is worth a trip depends entirely on what is being held there when you are in town.

A complex of this kind plays an important role in the life of a regional city. Zwolle has long been a commercial centre, a Hanseatic trading town on the IJssel river whose merchants shipped goods along the waterways to the Zuiderzee and beyond. Today the city is a hub for business, education and services, and the exhibition halls provide a place for local firms, clubs and the public to meet. Typical events include antique and hobby fairs, home and garden shows, sports competitions, music evenings and company gatherings.

Because event programmes vary a great deal, the best advice is to check the venue's official calendar before travelling. Some events attract visitors from across the province and beyond, which means traffic and parking can be busy, so consider using public transport and allow extra time. Facilities usually include catering, cloakrooms and accessible entrances, but details differ by event and ticket arrangements are set by the organisers.

The nearby sights offer a good way to fill a day in the city. The Anningahof Sculpture Park shows outdoor art in a green setting, and Dinoland, a dinosaur-themed attraction for families, is also listed in the area. The sculpture route that leads from the railway station towards the centre gives another view of the city's creative side. The historic centre of Zwolle, with its medieval gate, canal-like moat, churches and the museum de Fundatie, is a short ride or walk away.

The IJsselhallen suits those who come for a specific show or concert and visitors who want to see how a Dutch regional city organises its public life. Combine an event with a stroll through the old town, a meal in one of the cafes near the Grote Markt and a walk along the old city moat, which has been turned into a pleasant park.