Hengelo
Introduction
You will find Hengelo situated in the eastern portion of the Netherlands within the Twente region of the province of Overijssel. Located in a broad urban area, you can explore the surrounding vicinity which includes Enschede, Borne, Almelo, and Oldenzaal.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by reflecting on the industrial heritage that shaped this region. You can trace the city's evolution from a small hamlet into an industrial hub during the Industrial Revolution, when the arrival of textile industries sparked significant growth. As these industries moved to neighboring Enschede, the area transitioned toward heavy industry with the establishment of factories for machinery parts, salt, and signaling equipment.
You should also keep in mind the city's history during the Second World War. Because the historic center was almost entirely destroyed during the conflict, the post-war period focused on rebuilding and rehousing rather than restoration. While much of the original history was lost, you can still find remnants of the past in surviving structures like the Roman-Catholic Saint Lambertusbasilica.
Getting there
If you are traveling by car from Amsterdam, your journey follows the A1 toward Amersfoort, passing through Barneveld, Apeldoorn, and Deventer before merging with the A35 near Borne. You can access northern Hengelo via exits 30 and 31 of the A1 or reach western Hengelo using exits 27 and 28 of the A35.
Travelers arriving from Arnhem and the southern Netherlands have two primary routes. One option involves taking the A50 to join the A1 at Apeldoorn, following the same path as those coming from Amsterdam. Alternatively, you can take a more direct route via the A12, A18, and N18 (the Twenteroute) through the Liemers, Doetinchem, and the Achterhoek. While this route is more direct, it is heavy with lorry traffic. For rail travelers, Hengelo Train Station serves as the main hub for Twente, providing connections to international destinations like Berlin Ostbahnhof, as well as regional services to cities such as Schiphol Airport, Den Haag Centraal, and Zwolle.
Getting around
You can navigate the local area and explore the surrounding region using various transportation options available to you.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations located in the heart of the city. Options include Stravinsky, Hotel Nationaal, City Hotel Hengelo, 't Lansink, and Van der Valk Hotel Hengelo.
Food & drink
You can enjoy a variety of dining experiences across the city, ranging from local favorites to international flavors. Choose from these establishments for your next meal:
- Ziesta BBQ Restaurant
- Square Hengelo
- Eetcafé de Buurman
- Intenzo
- Grieks Restaurant Delphi
- Het wapen van Beckum
- De Zevenster
What to see and do
You can explore the local history and culture by visiting several museums scattered throughout the city. You might find interest in the collection at Museum Hengelo or delve into specialized interests at the Museum Electro-Radio-Nostalgie and the Oyfo Techniekmuseum.
Other notable sites to visit include the Piet Blom Museum, as well as the Maria kerk and Gods Waarheid.
Three days in Hengelo
Day one, you arrive at the Hengelo Train Station and begin your exploration of this city in Twente. You can take in the local atmosphere as you settle into the region of Overijssel.
Day two, you explore more of the surrounding area. You can travel toward nearby locations such as Enschede, Borne, Almelo, or Oldenzaal to experience different parts of the landscape.
Day three, you enjoy your final day in the region. You can choose to stay local or look toward other destinations like the Twenteroute or the Liemers area before your departure.