City walking tour in Kampen

Located at the mouth of the river IJssel, Kampen has a rich history as an important trading city within the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages and boasts more than five hundred monuments. Nothing like exploring the old Hanseatic city on foot, after mooring an authentic sailing ship at the quay within walking distance of the city centre. 

During the city walk through the old centre of Kampen, you will discover important sights from the Hanseatic era, beautiful Gothic architecture and the lively history of the cigar industry. We name a few:

• The old city gates Broederpoort, Koornmarktspoort and Cellebroederspoort. Once important entrance gates and defences. You can climb the medieval city gate Koornmarktspoort on the river IJssel and it gives a great view over the city.
• The medieval Old Town Hall, with the beautiful Schepenzaal, where justice used to be administered.
• The Bovenkerk, also called St. Nicolaaskerk. People started building this imposing Gothic church in the 14th century and it was completed in the 15th century. The interior of the church is impressive, with beautiful vault paintings and a special organ.
• The freestanding new tower (1649), las you climb the 163 steps you will also see the centre from above.
• The Stedelijk Museum on Oudestraat. The museum has rich collections of art, archaeology and history, including several items from the Hanze era.
• The historic Gothic House on Oudestraat 158. Built around 1500 and recognisable by its red shutters.
• Several beautiful Jugendstil buildings from the early 1900s, such as the old bakery on Oudestraat 148 .
• Step into the authentic cigar factory De Olifant on Voorstraat 100-108. Here cigars are still made with 19th-century machines to this day. And this is typical of Kampen, as around 1880 almost half of the population of Kamper was employed in the tobacco industry.
• On Groenestraat stands the Linnenweverspoortje (1665).
• At Burgwal 98 stands Kampen's smallest house of only 1.4 metres wide and 4.5 metres deep.
• During the walk, you might spot the lions. Kampen and lions have been connected since the 14th century. As an important trading centre, Kampen then received two lions as gifts from Portuguese merchants. They can be found in the city coat of arms and on the Lion Gate, among other things. Will you spot them all?
• And then there are hidden city gardens, beautifully painted wall advertisements from the early 1900s and lovely narrow alleys, of which Houtzagersteeg is one of the most beautiful.

Free app with walking routes through Kampen

Do you prefer walking with a map? There are several walking routes in Kampen and they all have one thing in common: they all take you past the most special sights:

• For example, you can walk the Hanzestad walk through the historic centre of Kampen.
• Or the Highlights route, a walk along the most important sights of Kampen.
• But you can also walk with the Stadsapp guide, a free app with various walks through the old town of Kampen.

Or pop into the Tourist info for a paper copy.

History of Kampen

In almost every building, on every square and in every park where you come, you will see the history of authentic Kampen. And that is certainly one to write a postcard from! Between the 13th and 16th century Kampen developed into one of the most powerful Hanseatic cities! All in all a unique city that you can explore on foot.