Kampen: History, Craftsmanship and Water

Kampen’s history takes many forms: in the collection of a former town hall, in churches and monasteries, in traditional crafts, and in the reconstruction of a medieval cargo ship. Kampereiland and Reevediep also offer their own nature and water-related themes.

Museums and Historic Spaces

Stedelijk Museum Kampen is housed in the former town hall. Its collection comprises more than 8,300 objects and explores, among other things, life along the IJssel. A highlight is the Schepenzaal, dating from 1545.

The permanent collection of the Alexander Stichting is on display at Ikonenmuseum Kampen. The museum is housed in a historic monastery that was once part of the convent of the Friars Minor. The museum is a five-minute walk from Kampen railway station.

Bovenkerk is known for its beautiful acoustics and regularly hosts concerts. The Lemker Chapel and the crypt contain family tombs; the painter Hendrick Avercamp is buried in the church. Group tours are available year-round. If you plan to take a tour, arrange the details in advance.

Biermuseum Kampen is located in a restored building dating from 1440. Visitors can enjoy medieval beer in the garden hall.

Routes, Cog and Bell Tower

The Inspiratieroute Kampen passes studios, galleries and other creative spaces in the historic town centre throughout the year. The Ambachtelijke Route introduces visitors to traditional crafts still practised today and historic monuments that recall the town’s trading and maritime history. Guided walks with an experienced guide are available for exploring the town.

The Kamper Kogge is a reconstruction of a medieval cargo ship, based on a wreck dating from around 1334. The Koggewerf site is open to visitors free of charge. A guided tour of the shipyard and the Kogge can be arranged by appointment; confirm the date in advance. A trip on the Kamper Kogge along the IJssel at Kampen can also be arranged after contacting them in advance.

De Nieuwe Toren is a protected monument and a bell tower with a carillon; it is about three and a half centuries old. The carillon has 48 bells and rings regularly. Climbing the tower is possible by arrangement: 163 steps lead to a height of about 65 metres. Arrange the details before your visit.

The historic De Olifant cigar factory offers a one-hour guided tour. It covers the purchasing and production process of De Olifant & De Eenhoorn. Check the tour’s availability and booking terms in advance.

Crafts and Landscape on Kampereiland

Museumboerderij Erf 29 shows how farms on Kampereiland were run 100 years ago. It is housed in a nineteenth-century Saxon-style longhouse farmhouse, built on a raised mound.

Erf-1 has been in use since 1432 and is considered the first and oldest farm on Kampereiland. Its own milk is traditionally processed into dairy products such as yoghurt and butter. Visitors can view the barn and see how the products are made. A guided tour of the farm includes a cheese tasting and coffee or tea; arrange the details in advance.

In the municipality of Kampen, D'Olde Zwarver is the only working grain mill. Visitors can follow the entire process from grain to flour. Volunteer millers show how the mill’s components work together.

Kampereiland is an extensive meadow landscape made up of outer polders, distinguished by its natural assets, cultural and historical significance, and geological history. Large groups of black-tailed godwits and other wading birds use the Reevediep area to roost and forage. The southern part of the Reevediep is accessible only via a walking and cycling path; a channel for recreational boating runs there between the Drontermeer and the IJssel.

Discover more destinations: Kampen, Kamperveen, Zalk, Grafhorst, IJsselmuiden, Oldenzaal, Dalfsen, Ommen.

For the main travel overview: Overijssel.