Discover Grafhorst

Grafhorst combines local history with a strong connection to the water and the open countryside. The village developed on a sand ridge along the Ganzendiep, a former branch of the IJssel delta. Things to do during a stay include hiking and a cycling loop, as well as the Biestemarkt and post-war reconstruction architecture. When planning, consider whether you want to focus on the water, trails, local history or a market visit.

The Ganzendiep and the landscape

The Ganzendiep is about nine kilometres long and flows into the Zwarte Meer. Between the Ganzensluis and the Goot, it is designated exclusively as a waterway for recreational boating. There is also a purpose-built swimming area on the Ganzendiep in the centre of Grafhorst, where young people can enjoy some leisure time in summer.

The Veerplein and its immediate surroundings are considered Grafhorst’s only public place on the Ganzendiep. From the Veerplein, there is a panoramic view across the open landscape of Kampereiland. The square’s history is also connected to the water: the foot ferry to Kampereiland once docked in the open square where today’s Voorstraat and Achterstraat meet.

Hiking and cycling around Grafhorst

Grafhorst is a starting point for several hiking trails in the IJsseldelta. From the Mandjeswaard trailhead at Kamperzeedijk 29, two routes of 5.0 and 9.4 kilometres lead through the area. The longer red route runs almost entirely on paved surfaces; the shorter yellow route crosses the Goot twice. The route lengths and trail conditions therefore offer different considerations when planning a walk. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Stage 16 of the Zuiderzeepad also passes through Grafhorst, following the Ganzendiep through the Zuiderzeepolder. A cycling loop runs across Kampereiland, takes the ferry across the Ganzendiep to Mandjeswaard, and returns via the Kamperzeedijk. If you are planning this loop, check the ferry schedule in advance. This makes it possible to distinguish the longer walks from the cycling loop based on their respective routes and the ferry crossing.

Local history and post-war reconstruction

Grafhorst received city rights from the Bishop of Utrecht in 1333, but never developed into a walled city. A major fire destroyed almost the entire town in 1849. The freestanding church is a prominent feature on the main road and is considered a rare example of post-war reconstruction architecture in Grafhorst. The former Nederlands Hervormde Kerk on Grafhorsterweg also represents the reconstruction period and has been designated a municipal monument.

The church of the Hervormde Gemeenschap in Grafhorst was built with local funds and through the community’s own efforts, and came into use on 1 February 1962. The town’s history thus encompasses several periods: from its city rights and the fire to churches associated with reconstruction.

Biestemarkt

The traditional Biestemarkt dates back to 1333 and is now celebrated without livestock. It takes place every year on the second Tuesday in October and is organised by the Vereniging Dorpsbelangen Grafhorst. If you would like to plan your trip around the market, check the date for the year you plan to visit. The recurring event and the hiking trails offer different starting points for planning a stay in Grafhorst.

Discover more destinations: Zalk, Kamperveen, Kampen, IJsselmuiden.

Go to the main travel overview: Kampen.