Kampen’s Hanseatic history can be seen in various places: at the city museum, churches and city gates, and aboard the Kamper Kogge. Exploring the city lets you combine its architectural history and self-guided routes with activities on the water. If you would like to focus your stay on a particular theme, there are several options: one route leads to artistic venues, another explores Hanseatic history. You can also book a trip on the Kogge. It lasts 75 minutes; confirm your reservation and whether sailing is possible before your trip.
Museum, Churches and Towers
At the Stedelijk Museum Kampen, the collection tells the story of the city from the past to the present. It comprises more than 8,300 objects relating to Kampen and its surroundings, life on the IJssel, religion and the cigar industry. A special part of the museum is the Schepenzaal: it dates from 1545 and has been included in the Canon of Dutch History. Alongside the city’s broad history, individual historic interiors are also in the spotlight.
The Bovenkerk, also known as St. Nicolaaskerk, is Kampen’s oldest church and a large Gothic cruciform basilica dating from the 14th century. It is known for its acoustics and regularly hosts concerts. If a concert is important to your visit, check the latest dates. The Nieuwe Toren is a three-and-a-half-century-old national monument. Its carillon of 48 bells can be heard regularly. By arrangement, you can climb the tower via 163 steps; from the top, you can enjoy a view over Kampen. Confirm the date for your climb in advance.
City Gates and Craftsmanship
Kampen’s development can also be traced through its city gates. The Broederpoort is one of three surviving city gates. It was built in 1465 as part of the city’s fortifications and acquired its characteristic Renaissance appearance in the 17th century. The Cellebroederspoort is one of the two surviving gates on this side of Kampen; its name comes from the Cellebroeders monastery. The Koornmarktspoort dates from the 14th century and is the city’s oldest gate. It also houses a nautical-themed escape room.
The Gotisch Huis, built around 1500 as a merchant’s or patrician’s house, tells another chapter in the city’s architectural history. About thirty wall-advertising frescoes have also been restored in Kampen. For a glimpse of traditional processes, visit the D'Olde Zwarver mill: it is the only working grain mill in the municipality of Kampen. On its various floors, visitors can follow the entire process from grain to flour. Groups and companies of at least ten people can book a guided tour by arrangement outside regular opening hours; confirm the booking arrangements in advance.
Maritime History and Routes through the City
The Kamper Kogge is an attempt at an authentic replica of a 14th-century merchant ship and is considered the only seaworthy cog in the Netherlands. At the Koggewerf, the activities on offer include historical storytelling and traditional crafts such as blacksmithing and smoking fish. Demonstrations and programmes may vary. The 75-minute trip on the Kogge can be booked; confirm your reservation and the availability of the trip before you arrive. Various boats, canoes and SUP boards are also available to rent in Kampen. Possible routes include the IJssel, the Ganzediep, and the Reevediep and Drontermeer. Rental providers and availability may change.
Two routes offer different themes for exploring on foot. The Hanzestadswandeling is a self-guided route through the historic city centre that explores Kampen’s Hanseatic history. The Inspiratieroute runs year-round past studios, galleries and other artistic and inspiring places in the historic city centre. Events and workshops are regularly held along the route; participating venues and dates may vary. If you prefer a guided city walk, you can book one through the Tourist Info. Kampen is also located in the IJsseldelta National Landscape, which is characterised in part by flower-rich floodplains. A stay here therefore combines historic urban spaces with a glimpse of the delta landscape.
Discover more destinations: Grafhorst, Zalk, Kamperveen, IJsselmuiden
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