Kampen Harbor (Haven)

Kampen is a historic town on the IJssel river in the province of Overijssel, and its harbour, or haven, recalls the time when it was one of the leading members of the Hanseatic League in the Low Countries. In the Middle Ages, Kampen's merchants traded across the North Sea and the Baltic, shipping goods such as grain, timber, herring and cloth, and the town grew rich. The harbour on the river was the gateway to that trade, and the waterfront still has a distinctly maritime character.

Today the harbour is a pleasant place for a stroll. Historic ships, including vessels of the so-called Brown Fleet, the traditional sailing barges and other old craft, are moored along the quays, and they sometimes sail on excursions on the river and the IJsselmeer. Behind the quays rise the facades of old warehouses and merchants' houses, and the skyline of the town is punctuated by the towers of the churches and the city gates. The waterfront provides a lively scene with cafes, restaurants and bicycles.

The town's fortifications are among the best preserved of any Dutch town. The old city walls still stand in places, with gates such as the Koornmarktspoort and the Cellebroederspoort, which are fine examples of medieval and later gatehouses and are often used as landmarks for walking tours. The Grote or Sint-Nicolaaskerk, with its tall tower, dominates the centre, and the Nieuwe Toren, a tower that is a monument in its own right, stands nearby. A walk through the narrow streets reveals gables, courtyards and small shops.

Kampen is known for particular local products. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries it was a centre of cigar making and also of a variety of craftsmanship, and the town has a tradition of trade in onions that gives rise to a nickname for its inhabitants. The botanical garden is a quiet place, and the bicycle rental shops provide a way to explore the IJssel valley. The city is easy to reach from Zwolle.

The harbour suits those who like historic towns, boats and quiet walks. It is at its best in the late afternoon, when the light on the water is soft. Consider a boat trip on the river and a meal at a waterfront restaurant. Check for events on the water, such as sailing days.