Kampen Botanical Garden

Kampen is a Hanseatic town on the IJssel river in Overijssel, and its botanical garden is one of the small green spaces that give the old centre a quieter side. It is a modest garden, run on a small scale with the help of volunteers, and it offers collections of plants in greenhouses and outdoor beds, with a variety of species from different climates and regions. It is not one of the big botanical gardens of the country, and visitors should expect an intimate, local experience, with the pleasure of finding it between the historic streets.

Botanical gardens in Dutch towns have a long tradition, going back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when the study of plants was linked to medicine and to the new trade in exotic species brought back by merchants and sailors. The Hanseatic towns of the IJssel, including Kampen, Deventer and Zwolle, were wealthy trading places, and gardens and orchards formed part of the urban landscape. The garden shows plants arranged by type, region or use, and labels give names, so it is a pleasant place for those with an interest in botany and also for those who simply enjoy colour and scent. Seasonal changes bring different attractions, with bulbs in spring, roses and perennials in summer and foliage in autumn.

The garden is a contrast to the busy shopping streets. Kampen's centre is built around the Oudestraat, a long shopping street, and the town has an impressive collection of medieval monuments, including three surviving city gates, the Bovenkerk, which is the Grote of Sint-Nicolaaskerk, and the Nieuwe Toren. After seeing the buildings, a quiet hour in the garden gives a rest. Opening hours vary by season and are limited, and there may be a small charge, so check ahead.

The surroundings add to the visit. The IJssel river is a short walk away, with its dike, harbour and views over meadows, and Kampen Harbor is a pleasant place to watch boats. The city walls and gates can be followed on foot, and bike rental points in the town let visitors extend the day into the countryside, where the IJsseldelta offers birdwatching and orchards. Zwolle and Hattem are within easy cycling distance.

The garden suits plant lovers, those who enjoy quiet places and visitors who are staying a few days in Kampen. Allow thirty to forty-five minutes, and combine it with a walk along the old walls and the river.