Nestled amidst the rolling countryside of Twente, Almelo is a picturesque city near the Netherlands-Germany border. In the late 19th century, it evolved into a textile hub and attracted workers from as far afield as Turkey. In 1976, Almelo became home to the first mosque in the Netherlands.
Things to do in Almelo
Occupying a historic rector’s house and Latin school is the Stadsmuseum Almelo, which brings the area’s past to life. In addition to antique tools, handicrafts and locally made textiles, it boasts an exceptional collection of historic maps in its archive. Nearby is the Bolletje Winkel & Koffieschenkerij, a former factory that houses a bakery museum detailing how bread was made and delivered in years gone by.
To learn more about traditional crafts in Almelo, pay a visit to the Wevershuisje. This charming cottage dates back to the 17th century and reflects an architectural style that was once common in the region. Today, the cottage showcases exhibits dedicated to weaving and lace-making, with vintage equipment, tools and garments on display.
On the eastern edge of the city centre is the Landgoed Huize Almelo, an 1880s-built manor house that has a history dating back to the 13th century. While the interior is not accessible to the public, the surrounding woodlands are a popular spot for locals to take scenic walks. Alternatively, you can head north to Schelfhorst Park, which centres around a duck-filled pond and provides a setting for summer festivals.
Getting around Almelo
Almelo is around 25 minutes’ drive from Enschede and 45 minutes from Apeldoorn. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is just under two hours away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Trains connect from Dutch and German cities to the Almelo railway station and buses travel throughout the city.