Oldenzaal

Oldenzaal is a city and municipality in the province of Overijssel, in the eastern Netherlands. It is part of the Twente region and lies near the German border, northeast of Enschede. The town has a historic center where medieval street patterns and several historic buildings survive, reflecting its long-standing role as a local market town.

A prominent landmark is the Sint Plechelmus Basilica, a Church of Saint Plechelmus. The basilica is a major visual feature of Oldenzaal and represents the town’s religious and architectural heritage, with elements from different periods contributing to its overall profile. The historic center also includes other architectural ensembles and traditional Dutch urban fabric that attract visitors and locals alike.

The municipality has a population in the vicinity of a few tens of thousands of residents, with Dutch as the official language and a local Twents dialect spoken in daily life. The economy is characterized by services, retail, and small-scale industry, alongside cultural activities and markets that serve residents and visitors. Oldenzaal also serves as a regional hub for surrounding villages.

In terms of transport, Oldenzaal is connected by road and rail to nearby cities and towns. The town features a railway station with services that link it to larger centers in the region, including Enschede and Zwolle, and it lies within easy reach of the German border, facilitating cross-border travel and commerce.