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Located between the band of cities that is Enschede, Hengelo and Almelo and the national landscape of north-eastern Twente. Oldenzaal is a lively, energetic and bustling city with a unique and attractive range of shops, lively cafés and restaurants, a variety of events, and recreational and cultural facilities. This is why Oldenzaal is also called the “Smile of Twente”.

Exclusive shopping in around 200 shops.

You can find more than 50 exclusive fashion shops - often family-owned businesses - spread out across the narrow and quaint shopping streets and two indoor shopping centres. Of course, there are also many dedicated delicacy shops, such as cheese-and-nuts, luxury-bonbon, wine and sweet shops, as well as ice-cream parlours.

Enjoy the good things

You can catch your breath in one of the many dining and drinking establishments. From tapas to grand café, from lunch room to pizzeria and from café to beer house.

Event city

Small or large events are regularly held in the centre of Oldenzaal. The most well-known are the annual carnival and Boeskool is Lös. But medium-sized events also make visiting Oldenzaal a treat.

Historical centre

With the 12th-century Basilica of St Plechelm in its centre, Oldenzaal once belonged to the Hanseatic League. It was given its market rights in 1049 and city rights in 1249. The medieval street pattern of the inner city has been preserved particularly well.

Het Hulsbeek Recreation Park

There are various recreational amenities here, among the woodland, water features and sunbathing areas.  

The Smile of Twente

Smile

We're not surprised they call this city the "Smile of Twente. The exclusive range of stores is heavenly and the many restaurants and cultural facilities also make you happy. Just take those grand cafes, lunchrooms, tapas restaurants and beer bars. You would almost want to stay there, in this unbeatable city in the far east of Twente.

Carnival

That the people here love to party is shown by the fact that they also celebrate carnival extensively in 'Boeskool'. Not a fan of hosing and dressing up? Then why not come to Oldenzaal at another time? There are events throughout the year, such as Boeskool is Lös. In August, the Oldenzalers celebrate for a week with music, performances and fairs.

Hulsbeek

So you don't have to come here for your peace and quiet, this town is too bustling for that. Ok, you can take your bike and enjoy forest and water in the beautiful surroundings of recreation park Het Hulsbeek. Or stroll through the medieval streets of Oldenzaal and step inside the twelfth-century Saint Plechelmus Basilica in the heart of the city, also good for a zen moment. Chances are you'll come out with a smile.

What to do?

In Oldenzaal

The best routes in Oldenzaal

Are you in a knot with yourself...aren't you? Well, soon you will be! Because the Twente Cycling Network is a chain of nodes. In Hengelo and its surroundings there are many of them, absolutely worthwhile to cycle through the countryside here. We understand that cycling all the nodes is a bit much, but fortunately you can create your own route. Be creative and enjoy the unique Twente countryside!

#visittwente