Netherlands > City walk in Enschede

At half past eight, we walk into the breakfast room. Fortunately, the buffet is more than just water and bread, as you might expect in a prison. The buffet is actually very extensive. After breakfast, we drive to Enschede, about a tight half-hour drive. In the center of Enschede, we park in a parking garage. We follow the route of a city walk. The route passes by the university and the synagogue. The synagogue is the largest in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, it is closed to visitors on Saturdays—a good reason to come back another time.

Netherlands - The synagogue from 1928 is a monumental building

Through the shopping streets, we arrive at the market on Hendrik Jan van Heekplein. There’s a cozy atmosphere among the stalls. We come to the Oude Markt. In the middle of the square is a small ice rink where some children try skating. Around the square are several cafés and restaurants. In one café, we order coffee. Outside it’s around freezing and chilly, but inside we can warm up again. At St. Jacobus Church, we visit the small chapel. From the chapel, we can also look inside the beautiful church. Via Langestraat, we walk toward the town hall.

Netherlands - The Rijksmuseum Twenthe in Enschede

This street is the oldest in the city. It used to run from city gate to city gate. At the town hall, we turn toward the station. On the other side of the tracks, we reach the Rijksmuseum Twenthe. We can join a one-hour guided tour and decide to wait for it. The tour tells the story of Marinetti and futurism. The explanation gives more clarity about the exhibition. The tour ends at Rembrandt’s painting The Standard Bearer. Two years ago, this painting was purchased for many millions. It is now touring the country. It’s great to see this painting here. With a voucher we received at the entrance, we end the museum visit with coffee and a pastry. The museum is not far from the site of the massive fireworks disaster on Saturday, May 13, 2000. The Roombeek neighborhood has since been rebuilt.

Netherlands - The salt museum in the center of Delden

In the middle of the modern residential area stands a memorial stone in a small park. It’s impressive to take a moment here. From Enschede, we continue driving to Delden. Delden is home to the Salt Museum. At the museum, we learn that all the salt in the Netherlands comes from the Hengelo region. They drill down to the salt layer and add water to dissolve the salt, which is then pumped up. At the end of the afternoon, we return to Almelo. In the evening, we dine at the market square. The restaurant Taveerne Het Wetshuys is located in the old town hall. There’s still a spot available on the heated terrace.