Vilsteren: a Hotel in the Dutch Countryside
While in Zwolle, we stayed at a hotel in the Dutch countryside - Herberg de Klomp Charme Hotel. It’s located in a tiny village called Vilsteren, about 20 minutes northeast of Zwolle. A country retreat for the Dutch - it was just as quiet and relaxing for us weary travelers.
After checking in and bringing our bag up to our suite, we enjoyed a complimentary beverage on their patio. Prosecco for me of course! The hotel was decorated to a T, like most places in the Netherlands, and our room had a nice a comfy bed and a big bathtub.
We ate dinner at the restaurant below one of the evenings, and it was quite the gastronomical spread. I had the lamb, you could tell it was fresh. Tea afterwards was a treat and there was plenty to choose from!
Breakfast every morning was an array of farm fresh goods, like bread, fruits, meats, eggs and cheeses. Not your typical American breakfast but it certainly filled us up and gave of loads of energy for the day. You really can’t beat the wholesome ingredients that the Dutch serve as a standard.
One of the evenings, we ventured out about Vilsteren. The little town had beautiful buildings along their long and narrow road, everything from traditional Dutch farmhouses to windmills to their very own castle. There were a lot of livestock in the area, and every home had a garden. Little acorns littered the ground, especially around the giant trees lining the road.
We even met a few friends along the way! I couldn't help but stop and say hi.
This beautiful farming community is often overlooked by foreign travelers, but I can see why the Dutch often come here as a retreat. It really brings you back to simpler times and it’s quite idyllic all the same.
