Welcome to Enschede

Enschede...

Directly on our eastern border lies Enschede, a characteristic, modern and lively university town. Elegant historic buildings in the town and surrounding area are evocative of Enschede’s rich textile past. Some of the town’s most notable monuments are the beautiful town hall, several beautiful churches and a unique synagogue.

At the same time, large-scale urban renewal has given Enschede a new skyline with eye-catching, contemporary architecture. Well worth a visit is the Van Heekplein. This shopping centre gives the town a modern flair and a lively charm.

Besides the familiar large department stores, a number of specialist shops have also been established around the Van Heekplein, making Enschede the ultimate shopping city of the East. Enschede also has a lot to offer for those who enjoy culture, wining & dining and a night on the town. There’s something to suit everyone’s palate in and around the convivial Oude Markt. And Enschede definitely caters to music lovers; whether you enjoy opera or rock, jazz or Tchaikowsky - Enschede has it all.

But that’s not all: Enschede has a number of special museums that are well worth a visit. In addition, the city hosts a variety of national and international events all year round. For example the 4-day equestrian event Military Boekelo, the Enschede Marathon, and the Enschede Music Festival.

Every Tuesday and Saturday is market day on the newly modernized Van Heekplein square. On Saturday, the busiest day, there are no less than 160 market stalls, making Enschede’s goods market the largest in the eastern Netherlands. Here you can find the widest range of products imaginable: fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish naturally, but also leatherware, clothes, music and Mediterranean delicacies. The stalls sell quality goods and the market is spaciously laid out. Below the market lies one of the largest underground car parks in the Netherlands, with room for 1700 cars and 1100 bicycles. This makes a visit doubly attractive!

Indeed, modern Enschede is bubbling with vitality! If you have time to spare after a visit to the town, the immediate surroundings offer some remarkable spots of natural beauty and tranquillity. Here, you’ll discover why Enschede was designated the greenest town in the Netherlands in 2003. The Aamsveen nature area is close by if you’d like a bit of peace and quiet. Other sights to see are the country houses and estates dating from the textile era, or the typical backstage landscape of Twekkelo with its mysterious salt houses.

 

History

Enschede has its fame to thank mainly to the textile industry, which started out as small-scale spinning and weaving of linen and home-grown flax on the farm for personal use. Gradually, workplaces emerged with workers on the payroll. When the steam engine was introduced around 1836, thanks to the Englishman Thomas Ainsworth, these workplaces were turned into real factories with increasing production. In its heyday, the town had no less than 75 textile factories. Today, none of these are left, but if you would like to find out more about Enschede’s famous textile history, the Textile Museum in the old Janninksfabriek along the Haaksbergerstraat is well worth a visit.

Town walk

A historic town walk is available at the Enschede Tourist Office (VVV). A one-and-a-half hour route leads you along old and new sights in Enschede, giving you a good idea of how the town was built. You will also see the remarkable metamorphosis of Enschede’s town centre over the past years.

Art and Architecture walk

For visitors who would like more background information on specific buildings in Enschede or are simply interested in something different, the Tourist Office has put together the Art and Architecture Walk. This walk focuses on the history and architecture of the buildings and various artworks that adorn the city centre. Enschede boasts several landmark buildings. A visit to the city hall, designed by Gijsbert Friedhofff, and architect K.P.C. de Bazel’s synagogue is a must for art aficionados.

During this walk you will also get to see how the – at times turbulent – history of this city made its mark on art and architecture. Discover Enschede’s impressive architectonic wealth – a reflection of the flourishing textile industry during the first half of the 20thcentury. 

In the past two centuries, Enschede flourished as the social and economic heart of Twente. Today, with approximately 152,000 inhabitants, Enschede is the largest town in the east of the country and the twelfth largest metropolitan area in the Netherlands. Still, the town has had its share of setbacks. In 1862 a fire almost completely destroyed the entire town. The decline of the textile industry in the second half of the previous century also left its marks. When the University of Twente was established here, as well as a number of high-quality industrial businesses, Enschede rapidly climbed out of the dip. Lively shopping areas and offices emerged where derelict factory halls once stood. Today, Enschede’s textile past continues to live on in the memory of its inhabitants.
 

Places of interest

• Stadhuis (Town Hall), Langestraat 24, tel. 4818181. Built in 1930-1933 by G. Friedhoff. Visits by appointment with the page’s room, tel. 4818843, Mrs J. Forger.
• Het Elderinkshuis, De Klomp 35, tel. 4334577. Built in 1783, this is the only historic house that survived the big town fire in 1862. It currently houses the Van Deinse Instituut, a merger between the Oudheidkamer Twente (antiquities’ room) and the Twente Akademie.

 

Churches

• Grote Kerk, Dutch Reformed, Oude Markt. Destroyed by fire, this church was rebuilt in 1865. In 1893, the Van Dam organ was played here for the first time. Open to visitors on Tue. and Sat., 14.00-16.00, tel. 4858500.
• Jacobuskerk, Roman Catholic, Langestraat 51. Built in East Byzantine style, this church was taken into use in 1933. Open June - September, Tue. and Sat. 14.00-16.00. Ariëns chapel open Mon. - Sat. 13.00-17.00, tel. 4315904.
• St. Jozefkerk, Roman Catholic, Oldenzaalsestraat 115. Built in 1839-1894, the St Jozelfkerk was listed in 1995. For group visits, please contact Mr. Voogd, tel. 074-2423732.
• Synagogue, Prinsestraat 18, tel. 4324507, Euregional Centre for Jewish History and Culture. The synagogue is open every Wednesday and Sunday from 11.00 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Jewish holidays. www.synagoge-enschede.nl, e-mail: info@synagoge-enschede.nl. In 1928 the synagogue – designed in oriental style by the famous Amsterdam architect K.P.C. de Bazel – opened its doors to a Jewish community of over 1200 souls. Today, more than 75 years later, the synagogue is open to all! 

Windmills

• Lonnekermolen, Lonnekermolenweg 80, Lonneker. Windmill flour for sale. Open on Sat. 10.00-12.30 and Wed. 13.30-16.30. Groups by appointment. Info Lonnekermolen: tel. 4310091.
• Wissink’s Möl, Erve Wissink, Helmerstraat, corner of the Haaksbergerstraat in Usselo. Open the whole year on Wed. and Sat. 13.30-16.00. Groups by appointment, tel. 4316498.

Cemeteries

• General Easterncemetry, Noord Esmarkerrondweg 407, tel. 4323262.
• General Westercemetry, Hengelosestraat 487, tel. 4359131.
• Espoortstraat cemetery, Espoortstraat (oldest cemetery in Enschede).
• Deurningerstraat cemetery, Deurningerstraat, (also called the "farmers’ cemetery").

Nature

In 2003 Enschede was declared the greenest town in the Netherlands. Odd? Not at all; everywhere in the town you can see, feel and hear nature. No matter where you are in Enschede, a beautiful green spot is never far away. The town is surrounded by country estates, woods, brooks, wooded banks and meadows that form Twente’s typical backstage landscape. But that’s not all. Aerial photographs clearly show that Enschede is green, almost right into the heart of town.

Enschede owes this green character mainly to its textile past. Textile manufacturers settled in country estates in the rural surroundings and borders of the town. Over the course of several decades, the town carefully grew around these green oases. Many of the country estates are still intact, and are delightfully surprising and diverse. On the Hooge Boekel estate, a majestic villa lies hidden among the woods. The villa on the Zonnebeek estate, on the other hand, is striking precisely because of its open location.

The "textile barons", as they were known, also left a legacy of fine parks. Five of these parks can be found within or bordering on the town’s ring of canals, the ‘Singelring’. They are very popular among those seeking a spot of serenity and nature. A lot of sport and activity is practiced here, and there are also playgrounds and animal parks for children. Events are regularly held in the parks, particularly in the Volkspark, for instance the half-yearly fun fair and ‘Art in the Volkspark’.

In 2004 the project ‘Green in the East’ was implemented in Enschede Oost. Together with the Tourist Office, the city wants to develop more activities in ‘green surroundings’, for both residents and tourists/visitors. The first in a series of walking routes has now been issued. The route’s theme is "new steps in old footprints" and it guides strollers in and around Glanerburg district. Walking and cycling routes through parks and in cemeteries are some of the other options under consideration.

 

Parks and country estates

• Volkspark (approx. 15 ha). Volksparksingel/Parkweg.
• G.J. v. Heekpark (11 ha.), Boddenkampsingel/Walhofstraat; this forms a whole with the Van Lochemspark (3 ha.)
• Wooldrikspark (6 ha.), Boulevard/Gronausestraat. With a children’s farm.
• Abraham Ledeboerpark (16 ha.), with Twente-style farm Het Lammerinkswönner, tel. 4351825.
• Blijdensteinpark (4 ha.) with a Dutch East Indies monument, Hogelandsingel/ Boulevard 1945.
• Wesselerbrinkpark (17,5 ha.).Broekheurnering/Wesselerweg. With children’s farm.
• Het Aamsveen (130 ha.) south of Glanerbrug along the German border. One of the largest high peat moors in Western Europe, this area is home to unusual flora and fauna.
• Hof Espelo (152 ha.), northeast of Enschede on the Weerseloseweg. Diverse landscape with forests, heaths and cultivated land. Information about Hof Espelo available at the visitor’s centre.
• Hooge Boekel (120 ha.), east of Enschede. Country estate and villa of the same name built by the Van Heek textile manufacturing family.
• Smalenbroek (82 ha.), bordered by the Knalhutteweg, Smalenbroeksweg and Buurserstraat.
• Groot Brunnink (99 ha.), close to the hamlet of Broekheurne. On this country estate, woodland and wooded banks are alternated with pastures and farmland.
• Lonnekerberg (141 ha.), north of Lonneker.
• Zonnebeek (83 ha.) south of Enschede. Woodland with large pond. Built in 1906, the American style country house with stables is not open to the public.
• ‘t Stroot (60 ha.) southwest of Enschede. Walking possible on open trails.
• De Weele (20 ha.), close to Boekelo.
• Teesinkbos (7 ha.) south of Boekelo.

 

Active fun and relaxation

Enschede has everything to offer for those seeking active fun and relaxation. There are endless possibilities to pass away a few pleasant and relaxing hours. An amazing new attraction in the green surroundings of Boekelo is the Labyrinth of Senses. Using your senses, discover yourself and others in this special maze park. Another must is Go Planet, located beside the Arke Stadion. This ‘fun street of Twente’ houses a bowling and scuba-diving centre, Coronel Kart racing and a sport studio.

Prefer to go for a dip? You can go swimming all year round in Enschede’s swimming pools. And during sunny weather, you can go swimming, water-skiing or sunbathing in the refreshing Rutbeek recreational area. But there are many more exciting and invigorating pursuits in and around Enschede. From ballooning to horse riding, from skating to the age-old game of ‘klootschieten’ typical of Twente. You can read more about these activities in this brochure.

Air ballooning

Marberts Hot Air Balloon Adventures, Info and reservations Enschede Tourist Office, tel. 4323200.

 

Amusement Parcs

Labyrinth der Zinnen, Welenmosweg 1, tel. 4500650,

www.labyrinthderzinnen.nl. Sight, sound, smell and taste - experience all these senses at Labyrinth der Zinnen. Discover more about yourself and others at this ‘Labyrinth of Senses’. Here, your senses lead you through two highly adventurous worlds. Should you rely on colours, scents or tactile sensations? Will you be put on the wrong track by an illusion? Find the answers to these and other riddles in the Lands of Trust and Amazement. Myriad flowers and plants at the Labyrinth der Zinnen create the shapes, colours and scents that match the senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.

Beauty centres

Bad Boekelo Spa Health Centre, Oude Deldenerweg 203, tel. 4285210.

Beau Visage, Hengelosestraat 725, tel. 4349627.

Boattrips

Boattrip to Recreationpark De Waarbeek, Havenkade,

tel. 074-2504040.

Bowling

Bowling, Colosseum 72, tel. 8504632, BowlingEnschede@hotmail.com.

Courses/workshops

Kook & Co,

Gabriëlle Kreatief,

Het Paradijs

 

Recreational parks

Recreatiepark Het Rutbeek, Jacobusrietweg 182, tel. 4282411.

At Het Rutbeek, you can find everything you need for a relaxing day out, such as facilities for swimming, canoeing, surfing, fishing, sunbathing lawns, sandy beaches, bicycle paths, artificial ski-run, ski-run for water skiing, playground and catering facilities,

www.regiotwente.nl.

 

Day tours

Looking for all-in single or multi day trips? Do you want to arrange a fun activity for your family reunion, business outing, trip with your sport or hobby club or bachelor party? Pop in at the Tourist Office and ask for our group package brochure! There’s a suitable package for everyone. Enschede Tourist Office’s booking office can arrange the perfect day for you, from A to Z.

Contact the Enschede Tourist Office for various custom-made group tours. Ask for our detailed information brochure, tel. 4309588, or send an e-mail to arrangementen@vvvtwentezuid.nl.

 

Outdoor activities

Information and reservations VVV Enschede, Oude Markt 31, tel. 4309588, arrangementen@vvvtwentezuid.nl

Adventure King, information and reservation, VVV Enschede tel. 4309588, arrangementen@vvvtwentezuid.nl

Kano Buitensport Twente, information and reservation, VVV Enschede tel. 4309588, arrangementen@vvvtwentezuid.nl

 

The University of Twente

The University of Twente is an entrepreneurial university. It is one of the younger universities in the Netherlands. The education and research cover three areas: technical sciences, social sciences and (clinical) health sciences. A great deal of attention is paid to the transfer of knowledge, know-how and technology to institutes, business and government.

The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands. Living, working and recreational activities are concentrated in one location: the estate Drienerlo, halfway

between the cities of Enschede and Hengelo.

The many facilities include shops, restaurants and a conference hotel. The cultural heart beats in the Vrijhof, which has among others theatre halls for drama performances. The university terrain offers room to more than 100 buildings. Embellished by a diversity of architecture, it is ideal for cycling or walking.

 

Diving

Dive World, Colloseum 72, tel. 8504631, www.diveworld.nl.

 

Golf

Short Golf Spielehof, Boekelo, information and reservation, VVV Enschede tel. 4309588

Golf and Countryclub ’t Sybrook, secretary Mrs G. Heijne, Clubhouse: tel. 0541-530331. Opening hours: Tue.-Sat. 8.00-sunset; Mon. 12.00-sunset.

Golfclub Enschede Prinses Wilhelmina, Location "Het Slagman", Maatmanweg 27, tel. 4337992, pwgolf@planet.nl.

Open throughout the week.

 

Go-carting

Coronel Kartracing, Colosseum 84, tel. 8504666. www.coronel.nl.

 

Climbing

Arqué climbing centre, J.J. van Deinselaan 20, tel. 4340488. www.arque.nl.

 

Traditional Dutch game ‘klootschieten’

Klootschietvereniging Enschede, secretary Mr C. Kruizinga, Herikebrink 10, tel. 4774143. Group packages: info Enschede Tourist Office, tel. 4323200.

 

Mini golf/Jeu de Boules

Bookel’s Boel, Beckumerstraat 2, Jeu de Boules. Tel. 4339805.

Hoge Boekel, Hoge Boekelerweg 410, tel. 4611378 (mini golf), closed on Mon.

Petanque club L’Equipe, Tolstraat 33, tel. 4780947.

Jeu de Boules club Enschede, G.J. van Heekpark, Hengelosestraat, secr. Mr H. van der Struik, tel. 4774167.

Lonneker Boule club Boel’n op ’n Bölt, next to the Lonnekerschool, Dorpsstraat, contact person Mr H.N. Geerdink, tel. 4357154.

 

Riding schools

Manege De Horstlinde, Pompstationweg 83-87, tel. 4336523. Horse riding lessons, private lessons and outdoor riding, horse stables).

 

Trains

Museum Buurtspoorweg, Station Boekelo, Windmolenweg 4, tel. 5721516.

 

Gardens

Labyrinth der Zinnen, Welenmosweg 1, tel. 4500650, www.labyrinthderzinnen.nl.

Ice-skating

IJsbaan Twente B.V., Colosseum 90, 7521 PT Enschede, Tel.  053 - 460 19 70, Fax: 053 - 460 19 71
Website: http://www.ijsbaan-twente.nl/

 

Skiing

Skicentrum Jorg Moser, Blikkersmaatweg 15, tel. 4283141. Artificial ski-run.

 

Skating

The Edge Skatepark, Bentstraat 43, tel. 4614919. Type of rink: 1500 m2 skating area.

 

Livery stable

Fa. Schouwink, Info and reservations at the Enschede Tourist Office, tel. 4309588.

 

Observatory

Coenraad ter Kuile observatory in the Natuurmuseum, M. H. Tromplaan 19, tel. 4807680. Open from September to March. Last Tue. in September until last Tue. in March, hours: 19.30 -22.15.

 

Sport/Tennis/Squash

Boekelose Tennisclub, De Mans 6 tel. 4282412.

Tenniscentrum Enschede, Kotkampweg 65, tel. 4357525,

e-mail: tcenschede@home.nl (9 indoor and 7 outdoor courts).

Twentehallen, De Reulver 120, tel. 4776550, e-mail:

info@twentehallen.nl; Internet: www.twentehallen.nl

(9 tennis and 15 indoor squash courts).

Squash centre, Olympialaan 75, tel. 4344001,

e-mail: squascitadel@hetnet.nl.

Survival trips

Info and reservations at Enschede Tourist Office, Oude Markt 31,

tel. 4309588.

 

Visits to companies

Koninklijke Grolsch N.V., Excursion and beer-tasting.

Nationale Reisopera, From its home base in Enschede, the Nationale Reisopera is the only Dutch operatic company that structurally visits 15 major theatres throughout the country to give opera performances.

University of Twente, Hengelosestraat. The only campus university in the Netherlands. Arke Stadion - FC Twente, For questions, supporters can contact the Supporters Service Unit from Mon. to Fri. 10.00-18.00 and Sat. 11.00-14.00., tel. 8525522.

Twence, Hengelo, Processing of waste.

Visits in the framework of ‘Industrieel Toerisme Twente’. For more information: Enschede Tourist Office, tel. 4309588 of arrangementen@vvvtwentezuid.nl

 

Water-skiing

Cable Waterskicentrum Twente, Jacobsrietweg 182, tel. 4283792.

 

Swimming pools

Het Rutbeek recreation park, 7 km south of Enschede, swimming lakes with sandy beach, sunbathing lawn and playground; no motorboats. Free entry, parking fee in the summer season.

Zwemparadijs Aquadrome, J.J. van Deinselaan 2, tel. 48889000, www.enschedesezwembaden.nl, (hot water paradise/tropical swimming pool with wave pool, 60-m water slides, jacuzzis, jet massage, steam baths, whirlpools, outdoor pool, sunbeds, swimmers’ bar, etc.)

De Brug, Schipholtstraat 43, Glanerburg, tel. 4612096,

www.enschedesezwembaden.nl (heated indoor pool).

Het Slagman, Park De Kotten 325, tel. 4352817,

www.enschedesezwembaden.nl (heated indoor pool).

 

Walking and cycling

Enschede’s immediate surroundings are ideal for beautiful walks and bicycle tours. Twente’s charming landscape surprises you at every bend. You will pass through woods and meadows, along brooks, villas and old Saxony farms. If you are lucky, and keep your eyes open, you might see a kingfisher, tree frog or green wood-pecker shoot off. Several walks and bicycle routes can be found in the area, and many of the country estates are open to the public. Natuurmonumenten, the Dutch nature monument foundation, has set out walking routes in the Buurseveen and the Aamsveen, where vipers can still be found.

Enschede Tourist Office also has four excellent cycling routes of the 4-day cycling event Enschede 2004, each with the following distances to choose from: 30, 50 or 70 kilometres. These routes are suitable for beginners as well as seasoned cyclists! No matter what season you set off on one of these cycling trips, they are sure to take you along the most beautiful landscapes of Twente.

 

Town walks

For more information, inquiries about our theme walks and

reservations, tel. 4309588 or arrangementen@vvvtwentezuid.nl

Guarded bicycle sheds in town

• Rijwielstalling Station, Stationsplein 33, tel. 4322792.

• Rijwielstalling Van Heekplein, Kuipersdijk 31 tel. 4830142

(free parking).

 

Bicycle rent

Damhuis Rijwielen, Gronausestraat 1126, tel. 4611807.

Landewé, Broekheurnerweg 62, tel. 4315952.

Ten Tusscher, Oldenzaalsestraat 340, tel. 4358219.

Het Rijwielpaleis, Lipperkerkstraat 174, tel. 4323774.

Snellers, Haaksbergerstraat 122, tel. 4322223.

Timmerman, Deurningerstraat 113, tel. 4353186.

Rijwielhandel Ten Brincke, Windmolenweg 48 Boekelo, tel. 4282043.

 

Activities for children

Enschede and its surroundings offer a wide range of possibilities for an enjoyable day out with the kids. Going for a nice swim or a visit to the children’s farm or playground is always fun, of course. But there’s much more to do and see … the theatre or cinema, for instance. Most theatres and cinemas regularly have children’s shows. You can find out what’s on in the UIT brochure, but also at the Enschede Tourist Office.

Children’s farms

Kinderboerderij De Wesseler, Wesselerweg 15a, tel. 4770723.

Open all days 8.00-16.30.

Kinderboerderij Noord, Vanekerbeekweg 15, tel. 4335348.

Open all days from 8.00-16.30 (summer), 8.30-16.00 (winter).

Kinderboerderijk Stichting Erve ’t Wooldrik, Lorentzlaan 22,

tel. 4322932. Open all days from 8.00-16.30.

Animal collection in the Abraham Ledeboerpak, Hengelosestraat, tel. 4351825.

Playgrounds

CR Hoge Boekel, Hoge Boekelerweg 410, tel. 4611378

(60 playground devices).

CR Kleinsman, Weerseloseweg 356, tel. 4330244

(toddler playground, 35 playground devices).

Chimpie Champ, Go Planet, Colosseum 82, tel. 4364602,

www.chimpiechamp.nl. Indoor playground in Jungle for children aged 1-12. Also suitable for birthday parties, groups, school trips. Open on Wed., Fri., Sat. and Sun. from 10.00 to 19.00. Open the whole week during school holidays.

Labyrinth der Zinnen, Welenmosweg 1, tel. 4500650,

www.labyrinthderzinnen.nl.

Boattrips

Boattrip to Recreationpark De Waarbeek, Havenkade,

tel. 074-2504040.

Trains

Museum Buurtspoorweg, Station Boekelo, Windmolenweg 4,

tel. 5721516.

 

Theatre

Sonnevanck Youth Theatre, Walstraat 6, tel. 053 - 4315400, e-mail jeugdtheater@sonnevanck.nl

For fifteen years now Sonnevanck Youth Theatre has been the professional youth theatre company of Overijssel province. Sonnevanck live and work in Enschede and stage over 120 performances a year. Sonnevanck shows are a treat for eyes, ears, spirit and mind and touch on all things essential to children and grown ups alike. Sonnevanck performances are a passionate plea to reconnect to our gentle inner selves. To keep in touch with our feelings. A plea not to ‘toughen up’, even if the whole world seems to urge you to. Sonnevanck love laughter, exciting stories, players who visibly enjoy taking to the stage, music that brings you to tears and the fine, finer and finest scenery and costumes imaginable. Visit www.sonnevanck.nl for the most up-to-date information on the company’s performances and other activities.

 

Museums and exhibitions

Enschede houses a number of fascinating museums. National Museum (Rijksmuseum) Twenthe has an extensive collection of national and international repute. The museum celebrates its 75th anniversary on June 17th, 2005. In the coming jubilee year, which will extend into the beginning of 2006, the museum will be doing something special for its many associates and relations. For it is the painters, donators, friends, artists, art lenders, museums and other cultural institutions that have contributed so greatly to the growth and prosperity of the museum. The theme for the jubilee year is Friendship, in the broadest sense of the word.

The Jannink Museum tells the story of Twente in its textile days, while the Natural Museum gives you a glimpse of life in prehistoric times.

Enschede also has a number of small, contemporary galleries, for example ‘Villa de Bank’, situated in the beautiful Blijdenstein Park, which is always on the lookout for the latest trends in art. Changing exhibitions can also be seen in Galerie Beeld & Aambeeld in the Walstraat. In the context of the culture and tourism year, the Enschede Tourist Office has developed a highly recommendable route featuring architecture and art. A number of other exhibitions and activities are also frequently organised. You can get more information about these at the Tourist Office.

Museums 

Rijksmuseum Twenthe, museum of antiquities and modern art, Lasondersingel 129-131, tel. 4358675, info@rijksmuseum-twenthe.nl. The collection at Rijksmuseum Twenthe includes antiquities and applied art (13th - 19th century), modern and contemporary art. Museum shop, museum café and library.

Open Tue.-Sun. and public holidays 11.00-17.00. Closed on 1 Jan.

Natuurmuseum, De Ruyterlaan 2, tel. 4323409

info@natuurmuseumenschede.nl. Permanent exhibition of plants, fossils and rocks found mostly in the Twente region. Open Tue.-Fri. 10.00-17.00, Sat. and Sun., Easter Monday, Whitsun and Christmas Day 13.00-17.00. Closed on other public holidays, Good Friday and Mondays.

Museum Jannink, living and working in Twente, Haaksbergerstraat 147, tel. 4825060, info@museumjannink.nl. Housed in the former Jannink spinning mill dating from 1900, this museum shows how life in the Eastern Netherlands gradually changed over the past 150 years. A special attraction for children is Jannink Junior, a hands-on exhibition about living and working in Twente, in the past and today. Open Tue.-Fri. 10.00-17.00, Sat. and Sun., Easter Monday, Whitsun and Christmas Day 13.00-17.00. Closed on other public holidays.

Het Lammerinkswönner visitors’ centre, van Heeksbleeklaan 68, via main entrance on the Hengelosestraat, tel. 4351825. Furnished in authentic style, the oldest "lös hoes" [barn and house under one roof] in Enschede doubles as a visitors’ centre for the department of Nature Education. Old barns with agricultural instruments and a number of theme gardens can be found around Het Lammerinkswönner. Open Mon. - Fri., 8.00-16.00, Sun. 11.00-17.00 (Nov. to Feb. 8.00 –16.00).

Van Deinse Instituut, De Klomp 35, tel. 4334577, www.vandeinse.nl. The aim of this institute is to gather more information about Twente’s culture by means of study, documentation and preser-vation of archaeology, history, folklore, language, art, nature, landscape and the environment. It also organises exhibitions.

 

Galleries and exhibitions

Galerie de Zoutboortoren, Windmolenweg 4, Boekelo, tel. 4339805, changing exhibitions.

CBK Concordia, Langsestraat 56, tel. 4300999, www.concordia.nl, changing exhibitions.

Galerie Beeld & Aambeeld, Walstraat 13, tel. 4300357, www.beeldenaambeeld.nl. Changing exhibitions.

Open Tue. - Sat. 10.00-17.00. Thu. 10.00-21.00.

Kunsthuis van het Oosten, Gronausevoetpad 28, tel. 4312584, kunsthuis@wxs.nl. Open Mon. 13.00-18.00, Tue. - Fri. 9.30-18.00., Thu. 9.30-21.00, Sat. 9.30-17.00.

Fotogalerie Objektief, Walstraat 33, tel. 4322507,

www.go.to/objektief, objektief@hetnet.nl. Changing exhibitions.

Open Wed. - Sat. 13.00-17.30.

Villa de Bank, Espoortstraat 182, tel. 4315515, info@villadebank.nl. Changing exhibitions. Open Tue. - Sun. 12.00-17.00.

Galerie Stolker, Haverstraatpassage 72, tel. 4324671. Changing

exhibitions. Open Mon. 13.00-18.00, Tue. - Wed. 9.00-18.00,

Thu. 9.00-21.00, Fri. 9.00-18.00, Sat. 9.00-17.00.

Porfin gallery of modern art, Dorpsstraat 90, Lonneker tel. 4354731. Open during exhibitions Thu. and Fri. 13.00-18.00 and Sat. 11.00-17.00 or by appointment.

Concordia Kunst & Cultuur is one name, two buildings. Both are located in the heart of Enschede on the Oude Markt. In the beautiful, characteristic theatre hall on Oude Markt 15, Concordia Theater puts on surprising shows and innovative professional performances.

Concordia Cinema, also located here, shows high-quality films from all over the world. At the large white villa on Oude Markt 26, a variety of creative courses are given for young and old, beginners and advanced. Concordia Kunst & Cultuur also gives young artists the opportunity to exhibit their work. Tel. 4300999, www.concordia.nl.

Architectuurcentrum Twente, Deurningerstraat 6, tel. 4837985. Architectuurcentrum Twente organises various activities aimed at encouraging people to think and debate about architecture, urban development, garden and landscape architecture, interior architec-ture and design.

In the 24-uursmuseum - the first museum in the Netherlands that is always open - you can admire a collection of art works in the public spaces of the Municipality of Enschede. Photographs of these works as well as background information and where they can be seen are available on the website www.24-uursmuseum.nl.

The works of art can be seen on Internet and in the various town districts 24 hours a day.

 

Shopping

With the metamorphosis of the Van Heekplein and the renewal of the town centre, a new hub was formed: an increasing number of shoppers is discovering Enschede as the number one shopping scene in the Eastern Netherlands. Our German ‘Nachbarn’ have also found Enschede’s department stores, boutiques and specialist shops. Particularly striking are the completely renovated V&D warehouse (its interior was designed by Jan des Bouvrie) and the spacious Bijenkorf. The shopping centres of Twentec and de Klanderij (which according to some is the most attractive modern shopping centre in the Netherlands) are also well visited. In short, every shopper will be pleasantly surprised by the new Van Heekplein, as well as the other shopping locations in Enschede. Thanks to the urban renewal, the variety, quality and number of shops there also continues to grow.

Late night shopping

• Enschede, (centre within the ring of canals), Thu. until 21.00.

• Enschede, (outside the ring of canals), Fri. until 21.00.

• Boekelo, Fri. until 21.00.

• Glanerbrug Fri. until 21.00.

Shopping Sundays

Enschede also has shopping Sundays, naturally. This is usually the first Sunday of the month, except on public holidays. For 2006 are they;  3 September, 1 Oktober, 5 November, 3, 10 and 17 (and 24 innercity) December. For more information, go to www.vvvenschede.nl

 

Markets

• Boekelo, Mr. Schierbeekstraat, Fri. 9.00-14.00 mini market.

• Enschede, H.J. van Heekplein, Tue. and Sat. 8.00-17.00, town centre.

• Glanerbrug, Schoolstraat, Wed. 8.00-13.00.

• Lonneker, Dorpsplein, Fri. 12.00-18.00.

Shops closed

• Boekelo: a few shops closed on Monday morning.

• Enschede: most shops closed on Monday morning.

 

Night life

Enschede is a lively university town, as witnessed by the many pubs, cafes and brasseries on the Oude Markt and in the quaint streets surrounding the square. But the town also has a lot to offer in the area of music and culture. Prominent music societies are the Nationale Reisopera and the Orkest van het Oosten, which have been getting increasingly favourable reviews. The Music Centre is definitely worth a visit.

Twentse Schouwburg theatre celebrates its 50th birthday in 2005 – a festive event that will stage something suitable for audiences aged 4 to 104. For example a Gala evening with theatre celebrities, a cabaret marathon, or a dance performance on a boat in Enschede’s inner harbour.

Naturally Enschede has all the other attractions of a large town.

Cine Star mega-cinema is located on the outskirts of town and Holland Casino can be found in the town centre. There’s also a pop stage and various large and small theatres. As you can see, there are plenty of options for an entertaining night out in Enschede.

 

Cinemas

CineStar, Colosseum 60-80, tel. 0900-24637827, info@cinestar.nl, www.cinestar.nl.

CineStar is the biggest and most modern multiplex cinema in the East Netherlands, with state-of-the-art sound and image technology and wall-to-wall projection. Giant projection screens and overwhelming Digital Surround sound effects put you at the heart of the action.

Concordia K&C Cinema, Oude Markt 15, tel. 4311089, www.concordia.nl

 

Casino

Holland Casino, Boulevard 1945-105, tel. 7502750,

www.hollandcasino.nl/enschede. On the first floor you will find the hub of the casino, the large gaming room with a combination of gambling tables and slot machines. There is also a bar, "Café Royal", and the High Limit Area. The second floor is open Friday and Saturday nights. Here, you will find a wide selection of slot machines and the Holland Casino ‘First Division’ Big Wheel, as well as Let’s Play. Live entertainment and a tasty selection of snacks and drinks complete an enjoyable night out at the casino. Holland Casino Enschede also has a banquet hall, which is very suitable for parties, meetings, presentations or custom-made packages. Open daily from 13.30-3.00.

 

Theatres

Orkest van het Oosten, Stationsplein 3, tel. 4878700, info@orkestvanhetoosten.nl.

2005 is a special year for the Orkest van het Oosten. This year witnesses the 10th anniversary of the orchestra, a tour of the UK and Jaap van Zweden’s last season as resident conductor. To celebrate this, the orchestra has scheduled a number of special concerts this year, in which adventure, imagination, inspiration, amazement, expectation and discovery go hand in hand with the hallmarks of enthusiasm, quality and professionalism. Everyone can enjoy concerts in beautiful series such as Romantic piano concertos, Young soloists and Heavenly music.

For more information about the programme, visit our website at www.orkestvanhetoosten.nl

Muziekcentrum Enschede, Noorderhagen 27, tel. 4858500, www.podiumtwente.nl.

Twentse Schouwburg, Langestraat 49, tel. 4858500, www.podiumtwente.nl.

booking office tel. 053 – 485 85 00 (Mon. to Sat. 12.00 p.m.– 4.00 p.m.)

Twente’s cultural heart beats in Enschede. Every season Podium Twente puts on over 300 performances and concerts in a wide variety of genres: from cabaret to opera, from renowned large orchestras to upbeat pop. You can see and hear it all on Podium Twente’s three stages. Over the past years the Music Centre (Het Muziekcentrum) has become one of the best four concert stages in the country. International stars as well as various festivals are increasingly finding their way to Enschede. For example the unique Anatolia festival that extensively features the music and theatre of Turkey and its environs. Inquisitive music lovers can come to the Cross-linx festival to experience a fascinating musical crossover. Twentse Schouwburg will splash out on its 50th anniversary in 2005 with an entertaining assortment of special activities.

De Grote Kerk, Oude Markt. Multifunctional accommodation, seats 400 people.

Concordia K&C Theater, Oude Markt 15, tel. 4311089, www.concordia.nl. Friendly theatre for smaller productions.

Vestzaktheater, Walstraat 35, tel. 4301887, www.vestzak.nl. Theatre, seats 65 people.

Jazzcafé de Tor, Walstraat 21, tel. 4318060.

Openluchttheater Universiteit Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, reservations tel. 4898002, out@www.student.utwente.nl, www.student.utwente.nl/-out. Various productions are put on at this open-air theatre in the summer months.

 

Going out

Condor City Go Party, Colosseum 70, tel. 8527000,

www.condorcity.nl. You are sure to have a good time in Condor City, as this mega-entertainment centre has something to suit everyone! Condor City offers 10,000 m2 of allround entertainment with good food and drink. Suitable for young and old. Open the whole year from Mon. - Fri. 8.30-17.00 and Sun. 14.00-22.00.

 

Events

Every year, as soon as winter is over, Enschede prepares once more for a diversity of events guaranteed to liven up the town. Famous sporting event is the Enschede Marathon. And the annual Enschede Music Festival in September is slowly becoming a music fest of international allure.

At the end of June, Enschede will host national Pink Saturday, and the large parade that is part of this event is sure to attract many national and international visitors.

In addition to these large events, there are also various other activities that ensure that there is always something interesting going on in Enschede. An overview of these events is available at the Enschede Tourist Office.

 

Restaurants

If you like good food in an ambient setting you won’t be disappointed, as Enschede caters to all culinary tastes. The Oude Markt with its many good-quality cafes, pubs and brasseries is ideal for an informal meal in a friendly atmosphere. Enschede also has various small, convivial and chic restaurants. Several of these gastronomic paradises can be found in the Walstraat.

 

Places to stay

If you plan on spending more than one day in Enschede, there are several welcoming places to stay. From Bed & Breakfasts to four-star hotels, from camping sites to holiday cottages. Enjoy the typical hospitality of Twente. A wide choice of addresses is given further on. The Enschede Tourist Office has also put together special hotel packages for longer stays.

Remark! More detailed information about accommodations and restaurants is free available at the Enschede Tourist Office.

 

Hotels

• Amadeus***, Oldenzaalsestraat 103, tel. 4357486.
• Golden Tulip Belevingshotel Bad Boekelo****
  Oude Deldenerweg 203, tel. 4283005.
• Best Western Country Hotel De Broeierd****
  Hengelosestraat 725, tel. 8506500.
• Best Western Dish Hotel****, Boulevard 1945 2, tel. 8506600.
• Conferentiehotel Drienerburght***, Drienerlolaan 5, tel. 4331366.
• Hotel Restaurant De Hölterhof***, Holterhofweg 325, tel. 4611306.
• Rodenbach***, Parkweg 35-39, tel. 4800200.
• Hotel Café Restaurant Savenije***, Dorpsstraat 149, tel. 4336644.
• ITC International Hotel B.V.**, Boulevard 1945-4, tel. 8506670.
• Parkhotel Moorhof***
  Amtsvennweg 60, Gronau, Germany, +49 256293920

Bed & Breakfast

• Ameling, Hegeboerweg 104, tel. 4330368.
• Benneker, Esstraat 27, tel. 06-23398877.
• Blauw, De Vluchtestraat 37b, tel. 4357865.
• Boekelo, Nieuwe Beekweg 175, tel. 4282936
• Domus Horst, Burgm. Stroinkstraat 341, tel. 4310116.
• Gerritsen, Tesinklandenweg 115, tel. 4281991.
• Van Goor, Brammelobrink 41, tel. 4761931.
• Grobben, Badweg 16, tel. 4282193.
• Gröneveld, Voshaarweg 110, tel. 4281577.
• De Groot, Vretberg 10, tel. 4344801.
• Haverkate, Borstelweg 4, 7545 MR, tel. 4322961.
• Ter Huurne, Sleutelbloem 16, Haaksbergen, tel. 5696541.
• Hendriks - de Feber, Veldhaarweg 114a, tel. 4310572
• Janssen, Holthuizenbrink 36, tel. 4763502.
• Lansink-Kuipers, Beckumerstraat 495, tel. 4281294
• Snaphaan, Sportlaan 18, tel. 4321801.
• De Spielehof, Spieleweg 24, tel. 4281363.
• Vermijs, Parkweg 67, tel. 4323439.
• Hof van Beckum, Bentelerweg 27, Beckum, tel. 074-2777212

Campings

• Buytenplaets Boekelo, Oude Deldenerweg 125 Boekelo, tel. 4281578.
• Camping Twente, Oude Deldenerweg 1, tel. 4281355.
• Euregio Camping de Twentse Es, Keppelerdijk 200, tel. 4611372.
• Kamperen bij de boer
• SVR Camping ‘t Hösje, Goorseveldweg 180, tel. 4312499
• Bungalows/ Vakantiehuisjes
• Abbink Boekelo, Losplaats 10 Boekelo, tel. 4282278.
• Evers (Klein-Gallie), Wachtweg 28, tel. 4332300.
• Gerritsen, Tesinklandenweg 115 Boekelo, tel. 4281991
• Gerritsen, Weustinkhoekweg 155, tel. 5696528.
• Grashof, Brandemaatweg 100, tel. 4330729.
• Ter Heege-Brus, Buurserstraat 599, tel. 5696238.
• Landhuis het Horsterveld, Knalhutteweg 351, tel. 4775302.
• Landhuis Twekkelo, Strootsweg 390, tel. 4283503.
• Lansink-Kuipers, Beckumerstraat 495, tel. 4281294
• Recreatiewoningen Koosveld, Buurserstraat 500, tel. 4761892.
• De Windmöl, Windmolenweg 217, tel. 4280727.

Groepsaccommodaties

• Logica UT, Campuslaan 60, tel. 4895000.

Transport

Car rental

• Avis car rental, Burgm. Van Veenlaan 7, tel. 4312235.

Public transport

• National train and bus information line: 0900-9292.
• International train information line: 0900-9296.
• Station Enschede, Stationsplein 33.
• Station Drienerlo
• Station Esmarke
• Station Glanerburg

 

Parking in the town centre

Good parking facilities in the town centre are necessary to keep the town open and accessible for living, working, shopping and going out.

...By car...

From all directions, follow the signposts to Enschede centre (‘centrum’). The signposted P-routes direct you to parking facilities in and around the centre.

In the H.J. Van Heek underground car park (which the Dutch Touring Club ANWB recently awarded an 8.7 (!) for clear signposting, cleanliness and safety) you can park right under the shopping heart of Enschede.

Paid parking

Paid parking on the following days:

Monday to Saturday 9.00 - 20.00

Late opening (Thursday) 9.00 - 21.00

Shopping Sunday 12.00 - 17.00

Parking: € 2.00 per hour. 

The maximum parking time at the parking location is indicated on the parking machine.

Parking fee

Parking fees can be paid by coins or by chipknip. You can also pay by mobile phone. For more information, detailed instructions and conditions of use, go to www.telepay.nl.

Parking facilities for the disabled

Motorists with a European Disabled Parking Card can park in disabled parking spaces in the town centre for half price. The parking garages also have special disabled parking spaces; normal parking fees apply to these spaces.
 

Parking

There are five parking garages in the town centre. Opening hours*:

• H.J. van Heekgarage (1650 spaces) 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
• Stationsgarage (355 plaatsen) 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
• Irenegarage (525 plaatsen) Mon. - Sun. 7.00-24.00
• Zuidmolen (470 plaatsen) Mon. - Sat. 8.00-18.00, Thu 8.00-22.00. Sun. closed
• Hermandad (200 plaatsen) Sat from 8.00-18.00

*the opening hours may change from April

...By bicycle ...

If you go to town by bicycle, you can stall it for free at the guarded bicycle shed under the H.J. van Heekplein (at V&D). Accommodates 1100 bicycles. You can stall it here from Monday to Saturday during shop opening hours.