Discover Almelo: museums, windmill and waterways

Almelo emerged in the 11th century at a crossroads of land and waterways. Today, you can explore the city’s history in museums, at historic buildings and along paths through the countryside. Culture and nature are not separate here: waterways have shaped the city’s history just as much as the routes along which you can experience Almelo on foot or by bike.

Museums and buildings tell the city’s story

The Stedelijk Museum Almelo brings together art and local history in changing exhibitions. More than 35,000 objects explore Almelo’s past and present as a former textile town. The collection includes archaeological finds, art, historic equipment, textiles and clothing, as well as objects and archives from Almelo textile companies. Objects, paintings, textiles, photographs and videos also tell the story of the city’s relationship with water. In the museum, you can encounter both Almelo’s textile past and another defining aspect of the city.

The museum offers workshops and other activities. Talks, treasure hunts and themed workshops for children and adults are held regularly, including during exhibitions, public holidays and school holidays; programme details may change. The museum offers weekly guided tours on request. Group visits can include a tour led by a volunteer on textile history, Huize Almelo and archaeology.

The city’s architectural history can also be explored beyond the museum. The De Hoop windmill was built in 1910 on a base dating from 1870. It is open to the public and can be visited by arrangement. From October to March, it is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 to 15:00; from April to September, it is open on those days from 10:00 to 16:00. Check opening hours before your visit.

St. Georgius Basilica is a neo-Gothic cruciform church built between 1900 and 1902 and is a Rijksmonument (national heritage site). It houses a medieval baptismal font from the 14th century, which came from the former church on Kerkplein. Another cruciform church, the Grote Kerk, was built in 1738. Some former textile factory buildings remain as reminders of Almelo’s textile past.

The Jewish cemetery on Boddenstraat was established in 1842; its associated Metaheerhuis (ritual purification house) was renovated in 2000. A memorial wall commemorates more than 250 Jewish residents of Almelo who were murdered during the Second World War. The site connects the city’s architectural history with the remembrance of its people.

Paths by the water and through the countryside

The Gravenallee offers a total of 16 kilometres of walking and cycling paths through varied countryside. It has served as the entrance avenue to Huize Almelo since around 1700. Within the Gravenallee, a 3.5-kilometre hunting avenue leads to the Almelo-Nordhorn Canal. From Almelo station, you can reach the Gravenallee on foot in about 45 minutes or by OV-fiets rental bike in just under 15 minutes; both travel times are approximate.

The Almelo-Nordhorn Canal is no longer open to shipping and is suitable for walks and bike rides. A cycle path runs along each bank. An approximately 35-kilometre cycling route from Almelo to Nordhorn also follows the canal. The Waterpad walking route draws on the city’s rich history of waterways: it passes cultural and historic buildings and three museums, the Stadsboerderij Het Wevershuisje, the Stedelijk Museum Almelo and the Bolletje Museum. The route is more than five kilometres long.

If you prefer a walk in a green setting, Landgoed Bellinckhof offers winding paths and views along wooded areas, hedges and avenues. The estate attracts many walkers. Its grounds are open to visitors, except for the park immediately around the house and the house itself. Check access conditions before your visit.

Bornerbroek also has a circular walking route that passes the Stephanuskerk, newly created nature areas at De Doorbraak and historic farmhouses. In Almelo, Beeklustpark features a distinctive music pavilion and an adjoining children’s farm. The publicly accessible Stadsboerderij Beeklust is home to various farm animals. Pony-and-cart rides are offered on Wednesday afternoons; rides can be arranged on request on other days. Guided tours and children’s parties are also available.

At Natuurhus Almelo, a discovery corner for families lets children examine natural finds under a microscope, play nature-themed games and get help from nature guides. This offers a different focus from the countryside trails, with an emphasis on careful observation and playful exploration of natural finds.

Local insights into everyday life

The Bolletje Museum displays historic baking machines, baking tins, tins and advertising materials. Admission is free for guests of the Bolletjewinkel. A guided tour can be arranged on request, especially for visits on Saturdays. Bolletje’s roots in Almelo date back to 7 November 1867, when a bakery with a shop opened.

To get a feel for the local weekly routine, you can visit the goods market on Marktplein: it takes place on Thursday mornings and Saturdays. Market days may change. Together with the museums, historic buildings and waterside paths, it offers a range of ways to get to know Almelo during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Almelo, Bornerbroek, Wierden, Dinkelland, Dalfsen, Hellendoorn, Deventer, Hengelo.

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