Kampen Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Kampen, Netherlands, including top cultural attractions, natural wonders, food and drink scene, where to stay, how to get around and nearby excursions.


Introduction to Kampen

Kampen is a city located in the Overijssel province in the Eastern Netherlands. The city has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and scenic views of the IJssel river. Kampen was once a prominent member of the Hanseatic League, which was a commercial and defensive confederation of merchants and their market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe during the medieval period. Today, Kampen is a popular destination for tourists who are looking for a relaxing and cultural experience.

List of Places to Visit in Kampen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kampen is a city with a rich history and has many cultural attractions that will capture the minds of tourists. Some of the notable places to visit include:

  • Stedelijk Museum Kampen - The museum is located in a 17th-century building and showcases the rich history of Kampen, including paintings, artifacts, and sculptures.
  • St. Nicolas Church - The church is one of the oldest buildings in Kampen and dates back to the 15th century. The church has a Gothic architecture, and visitors can explore the beautiful stained-glass windows and climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city.
  • Kamper Kogge - The Kamper Kogge is a replica of a medieval cargo ship that used to sail along the IJssel River. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about the trade routes of Kampen in the Middle Ages.

Natural Attractions of Kampen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kampen is known for its beautiful landscapes and natural attractions. Some of the best places to visit include:

  • Rivierduin Kampen - This is a nature reserve situated on the banks of the IJssel River. Visitors can take a walk along the trails and enjoy the scenic views of the river and its surroundings.
  • De Ossenwaard - It is a small island situated at the mouth of the River IJssel. It is an ideal spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. Visitors can also take a cycle ride around the island.
  • Kampen City Park - The City park is situated in the heart of Kampen, and visitors can take a stroll around the park and enjoy the beautiful flowers and foliage. The park also features several sculptures and water fountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kampen

Kampen has a vast network of cycling and hiking trails that cut across its scenic countryside. Some of the best trails include:

  • Ommetje Kampen - It is a walking trail that takes visitors around the city’s historic sites and scenic countryside.
  • IJsselvalleitocht - It is a cycling route that runs along the IJssel River. The trail is known for its scenic views and stops at several historic sites and landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Kampen: Activities and Tours

Kampen has numerous activities and tours that cater to every visitor’s taste. Some of the best activities and tours include:

  • Guided Walking Tour - Visitors can take a guided walking tour of the city and explore its rich history and landmarks.
  • Boat Trip - Visitors can take a boat trip along the IJssel River and explore the city from a different perspective.
  • Brewery Tour - Kampen is home to several breweries, and visitors can take a tour and learn about the brewing process and taste different beers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kampen

Day 1: Arrive in Kampen and Explore the City

Day 2: Take a Guided Walking Tour of the City and Visit the St. Nicolas Church

Day 3: Explore the Natural Attractions of Kampen - Rivierduin Kampen and De Ossenwaard

Day 4: Take a Boat Trip Along the IJssel River and Visit the Kamper Kogge

Day 5: Visit the Stedelijk Museum Kampen

Day 6: Cycle Along the IJsselvalleitocht Trail

Day 7: Enjoy the Local Food and Breweries

Food and Drink Scene of Kampen

Kampen has a vibrant food and drink scene that showcases its rich cultural heritage and local produce. Some of the must-try dishes and beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kampen Black Pudding
  • Roggebrood met katenspek (rye bread with a spiced bacon topping)
  • Kampersteur (smoked eel)

Local Beverages

  • Bokbier - A dark seasonal beer that is popular in Kampen during the colder months
  • Jenever - A traditional Dutch gin that is made from juniper berries and other botanicals

Where to Stay in Kampen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kampen has several accommodation options that cater to all budgets and needs. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Hotel Van Dijk: A charming hotel with a central location and modern amenities
  • De Stadsboerderij: A restored farm featuring traditional Dutch decor and a picturesque garden
  • Stayokay Kampen: A budget-friendly hostel that offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms with shared facilities.

What to Buy in Kampen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Kampen can bring back a piece of the city’s culture and heritage with these local products:

  • Kampen Black Pudding
  • Kamper Princesse (a type of cake)
  • Handmade pottery and ceramics made by local artists

Local Culture and Customs of Kampen

Kampen has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should be aware of certain customs and traditions:

  • The people of Kampen are proud of their history and heritage, so visitors should show respect for their customs, monuments and landmarks.
  • Smoking is not allowed in public places, including bars, restaurants, and cafes.
  • Tipping is not compulsory, but it is customary to round up the bill or tip 10%.

Best Time to Visit Kampen

The best time to visit Kampen is in the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the tourists are fewer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kampen

Do:

  • Do take a guided walking tour of the city
  • Do try the local cuisine and beers
  • Do visit the cultural attractions and natural wonders

Don’t:

  • Don’t smoke in public places
  • Don’t litter the parks and public places
  • Don’t disrespect the monuments and landmarks

Safety and Health

Safety in Kampen

Kampen is a safe city, and visitors should follow these safety tips:

  • Be aware of pickpockets and keep your valuables in a safe place
  • Travel in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night
  • Follow the traffic rules when cycling or driving

Health in Kampen

Medical facilities in Kampen are of a high standard, and visitors should have health insurance that includes medical treatment in the Netherlands.

Getting to Kampen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kampen is easily accessible by different modes of transportation. Some of the options include:

  • By Air - The nearest international airport to Kampen is Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. From there, visitors can take a train to Kampen.
  • By Train - Kampen has a train station that connects it to other major Dutch cities.
  • By Bus - Several bus companies operate regular services to Kampen from nearby towns and cities.

Airports Near Kampen

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - 95km

Bus Stations Near Kampen

  • Kampen Bus Station

Other Options

  • Cycling and Hiking

How to Get Around in Kampen

Kampen is a small city with excellent public transportation options. Visitors can use the following modes of transportation:

  • Cycling - Kampen has a vast network of cycling trails and is an ideal way to explore the city and its surroundings.
  • Walking - Most of the attractions in Kampen are within walking distance of each other.
  • Bus - Local bus services operate across Kampen.

Where to Go Next from Kampen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kampen is close to several other Dutch cities and attractions. Some of the nearby destinations include:

  • Zwolle - A historic city with a charming old town and modern shopping district.
  • Giethoorn - A picturesque village known for its beautiful canals and traditional thatched-roof houses.
  • National Park de Hoge Veluwe - A vast nature reserve with beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a museum.

Conclusion

Kampen is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of activities and tours, taste delicious local cuisine and beer, and explore the city’s cultural attractions and landmarks. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Kampen has something for everyone.

Kampen city centre Kampen city centre IJsselkade IJsselkade