Kerst in Oud Kampen (Christmas in Old Kampen)
On the weekend before Christmas Kampen's old town turns into a Dickens-era scene with theatre, music and lights.
PlizioGo
Try this local hazelnut pastry specialty at a bakery in the old town.
Enjoy a raw Dutch herring (maatjes) at one of the fish stands along the IJsselkade.
Eat traditional Dutch pancakes in one of the restaurants around the Oudestraat.
Stroll down the Oudestraat, one of the longest shopping streets in the Netherlands, featuring many historic facades.
Visit a specialty shop to learn about Kampen's history as a major center for cigar production.
Take a quiet walk through this English-style landscape park on the edge of the center.
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the riverside, watching the ships pass by.
Water temperature…
Kampen is a grand Hanseatic city in the province of Overijssel, strategically positioned on the lower reaches of the IJssel River near its mouth at the IJsselmeer. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Kampen was one of the most powerful and affluent trading cities in Northern Europe, at times even surpassing Amsterdam in influence. The cityscape is marked by over 500 historic monuments, including impressive city gates such as the Koornmarktspoort, Broederpoort, and Cellebroederspoort. A major symbol of the city is the Kamper Kogge, a full-scale reconstruction of a medieval merchant vessel that commemorates the golden age of the Hanseatic League. Kampen is also recognized for its theological heritage, hosting a prestigious Protestant university. Despite the decline of its maritime dominance in the 16th century, the city preserved its monumental skyline and is now a center for tourism, sailing, and cultural heritage conservation.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 61 | 54 | 39 | 60 | 63 | 79 | 82 | 62 | 67 | 69 | 76 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day at Kampen's majestic city gates, strolling through the cobblestone streets. The morning is for exploring the rich merchant history at the Gothic House and the Stedelijk Museum. After lunch, climb the Bovenkerk for panoramic views. The afternoon takes you to the IJssel riverfront at Koornmarktspoort to absorb the Hanseatic atmosphere. End your day at the tranquil city park near the Broederpoort, reflecting on the city's timeless beauty.
In the morning, the massive arches of city gates like Cellebroederspoort provide initial shelter from the Dutch rain. At noon, spend time inside the Gothic House and Stedelijk Museum, where Hanseatic history stays dry. In the afternoon, the Bovenkerk’s high nave offers a majestic indoor sanctuary. End your evening near the illuminated Broederpoort, watching the rain glisten on the historic cobblestones.
Winter mornings in Kampen often start with frost on the historic gates. At noon, warm up inside the museum galleries as the low sun hits the Gothic facades. In the afternoon, the Bovenkerk provides a peaceful escape before the city lights sparkle around 5:00 PM. Spend your evening in a cozy local pub along the IJssel wharf.
A day in Kampen on two wheels is the quintessential Dutch experience. Start with a scenic ride along the IJssel riverfront. The morning is for parking the bike to explore the towering Bovenkerk and the historic museum quarter. After lunch, cycle to the ancient city gates, Broederpoort and Cellebroederspoort. The afternoon culminates in an invigorating ride into the vast landscape of Kampereiland, offering a contrast to the compact city. It's a journey through history, culture, and nature.
Despite the rain, Kampen is a cycling city; gear up with a good poncho. In the morning, ride along IJsselkade where the wind whips the droplets. At noon, find refuge in the museum while your bike waits in the rack. In the afternoon, explore the western gates before finishing with a windy ride towards Kampereiland, where nature feels raw and authentic in the rain.
A winter bike tour in Kampen calls for warm gloves against the east wind. In the morning, hoarfrost glistens on the meadows by IJsselkade. At noon, the museum is a warm anchor between riding segments. In the afternoon, cycle through the frosty city park to Cellebroederspoort. End the day with a ride to Kampereiland, where winter silence blankets the dikes.
The car allows you to combine the compact city of Kampen with the vast landscape of Kampereiland. Park your car and spend the morning exploring the city's historic heart on foot, from the Bovenkerk to the museums. After a riverside lunch, drive out to the unique polder landscape of Kampereiland, a testament to Dutch engineering. Return to the city in the late afternoon to see the southern city gates, ending the day with a blend of urban heritage and rural tranquility.
Exploring Kampen by car is very comfortable during a rainy day. In the morning, park in the center for quick access to indoor sites. At noon, the museum provides a long, dry program. In the afternoon, drive out to Kampereiland to see the stormy polder landscape from the warmth of your vehicle. End the day with a view of the rainy city skyline from the IJssel bridge.
In winter, the car is perfect for bridging the gaps between frosty gates and Kampereiland. Start your morning with a heated drive through the snowy polder landscape. At noon, visit the warm museum in the heart of Kampen. In the afternoon, explore the southern city gates before admiring the festive city lights from the IJssel bank at dusk.
