Kampen is beautifully located on, what is often called, one of the most beautiful river fronts of the Netherlands. Almost 500 monuments testify of a glorious past of the Hanseatic city where watersports and culture play a prominent role. Worth a visit is definitely the Kogge Wharf. On the wharf they explain a lot about the Hanseatic historie of the Kogge and you can visit a real reconstructed Kogge ship.

ViBRANT HANSEATIC CITY ON THE IJSSEL

Ancient skyline

Ancient skyline Even the entrance is remarkable. The Stadsbrug (city bridge) with its golden wheels catches the eye immediately, as well as Kampen’s skyline. Historical buildings, gateways and churches rule the vista of the town, not high-rise construction. This is the view the medieval merchants would have been presented with when returning to their town on their koggeschepen (Cogs) from Scandinavia, Germany or the Baltic States, laden with goods.

Would you like to take a closer look at a medieval coaster? Visit the Koggewerf, were you can see the ultimate symbol of Kampen: The Kamper Kogge.

The bustle of craftsmanship

The medieval streets of Kampen have a noticeable air of traditional industriousness: • Kampen boasted one hundred cigar factories at one time. Nowadays, on factory remains: De Olifant in the Voorstraat. Here, 80,000 cigars are still made every week. • A little further along, a forge master works in the only (and centuries-old) forge still in existence in Kampen. • Also, only one of the dozens of breweries in Kampen still remains: De Wereld. You can order one of their beers in maybe the brownest cafe (traditional Dutch pub) in Kampen: the Stomme van Campen.

Back in time

When walking through Kampen, you may discover many murals between the well-preserved facades and warehouses. These are advertisements from bygone eras that have been restored to their former glory. There is plenty more cultural and historical heritage to admire in Kampen.