NetherlandsSeven provinces, seven cities - Kampen in Overijssel

Alexander Worms

 · 29.12.2025

Netherlands: Seven provinces, seven cities - Kampen in OverijsselPhoto: iStock; Sjo
Already an important trading centre in Hanseatic times: the town of Kampen in the province of Overijssel.
De Zeven Provinciën are the seven historic provinces of the Netherlands. In each of them there are places where history is still present. Part 5: Kampen

At the time, Kampen was also a pawn in the game between the new republic and the Spanish. The location was favourable at the intersection of the trade route across the IJssel from Germany and the Zuiderzee on the other side. The people of Kampen knew how to avoid silting up the river delta, so that trade always played a major role. For example in the tobacco industry. Kampen once produced 1.5 million cigars a day.

Many churches and a cog

The wealth is reflected in the cityscape: the entire city centre is a listed building and is largely protected by a wall. Many churches bear witness to the gold but also to the faith of the people of Kampen. Incidentally, the centre is protected from the IJssel by an ingenious flood protection system. Volunteers erect barriers at lightning speed when necessary.

The centre is full of historic buildings, but water sports enthusiasts will probably be particularly interested in the Kamper Kogge. As a member of the Hanseatic League, the city had a whole fleet of these capable ships, at least one of which is moored in the harbour as a replica.

On the river into the city

Nautically, the city on the IJssel can be reached via the river. Coming from the west, sailors have to pass the Ketelbrug, the Ketelmeer and the imposing Eilandbrug. It is worth checking the IJssel's water drainage, as the river can be flowing heavily, making the journey a little lengthy

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Moorings in Enkhuizen

Club harbour ZC 37 on the opposite side of the IJssel, zc37.nlTel. harbour master: +31 6 52 08 57 48, water depth depends on the water level on the IJssel, cosy clubhouse


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