Port information & tips for Kampen
Kampen is a charming Hanseatic city on the IJssel and delights visitors with its rich history and medieval splendor. The picturesque location on the wide riverbank gives the city a maritime flair, and the historic silhouette with its striking towers creates an inviting atmosphere. Cultural highlights include the magnificent Bovenkerk, the authentic Kamper Kogge, and the imposing city gate Koornmarktspoort. Cruise ships dock directly at the central IJsselkade, from where the picturesque alleys of the center are easily reachable within a few minutes' walk. Thanks to this first-class connection, the exploration of the old merchant houses begins immediately at the pier and simultaneously offers a wonderful view of the majestically passing river landscape.
The historic Hanseatic city of Kampen in the Netherlands, picturesquely situated on the IJssel, welcomes river cruise passengers with an easy arrival thanks to good transport links. The berths for river cruise ships are centrally located at the IJsselkade, just a few minutes' walk from the charming city center.
Car
Kampen is excellently connected to the Dutch motorway network thanks to the national road N50 (currently being upgraded to the A50) and the N760. Travelers from the DACH region can easily reach the city via the A50 from the direction of Arnhem/Apeldoorn or the A28/A50 from the direction of Utrecht and Groningen. For those traveling by car, several free long-term parking lots are available in Kampen, including the Buitenhaven parking garage (Oranjesingel) and parking lots opposite the train station (Stationsplein). Directly at the IJsselkade, there are also paid short-term parking options, ideal for loading and unloading luggage.
Train
Kampen train station is perfectly located: it is situated directly on the water and opposite the berths for cruise ships. From there, it is only about a five-minute walk across the city bridge to the IJsselkade, where your ship awaits. Regular train connections, running twice an hour, connect Kampen directly with the important rail hub Zwolle in just about ten minutes.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), approximately 99 kilometers from Kampen. An arrival by rental car or taxi takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Alternatively, a convenient train journey is available: from Schiphol Airport Train Station, you can reach Zwolle with direct connections in about 1 hour and 11 minutes, and from there, take the regional train to Kampen. The total train journey, including transfers, takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The historic Hanseatic city of Kampen in the Netherlands, picturesquely situated on the IJssel, welcomes river cruise passengers with an easy arrival thanks to good transport links. The berths for river cruise ships are centrally located at the IJsselkade, just a few minutes' walk from the charming city center.
Car
Kampen is excellently connected to the Dutch motorway network thanks to the national road N50 (currently being upgraded to the A50) and the N760. Travelers from the DACH region can easily reach the city via the A50 from the direction of Arnhem/Apeldoorn or the A28/A50 from the direction of Utrecht and Groningen. For those traveling by car, several free long-term parking lots are available in Kampen, including the Buitenhaven parking garage (Oranjesingel) and parking lots opposite the train station (Stationsplein). Directly at the IJsselkade, there are also paid short-term parking options, ideal for loading and unloading luggage.
Train
Kampen train station is perfectly located: it is situated directly on the water and opposite the berths for cruise ships. From there, it is only about a five-minute walk across the city bridge to the IJsselkade, where your ship awaits. Regular train connections, running twice an hour, connect Kampen directly with the important rail hub Zwolle in just about ten minutes.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), approximately 99 kilometers from Kampen. An arrival by rental car or taxi takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Alternatively, a convenient train journey is available: from Schiphol Airport Train Station, you can reach Zwolle with direct connections in about 1 hour and 11 minutes, and from there, take the regional train to Kampen. The total train journey, including transfers, takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your arrival at the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Kampen is located directly on the picturesque IJsselkade and provides immediate access to the historic old town. Thanks to its central location, you can reach the most important sights and transport hubs in a very short time.
On foot
The medieval city center of Kampen is located right in front of the gangway and can be perfectly explored on foot. In just a few minutes, you can stroll through the charming alleys to the landmark city gates and the historic buildings of the Hanseatic city.
Train and regional buses
Kampen station is located on the opposite side of the river and can be easily reached via the city bridge. From there, trains and regional buses of the RRReis brand offer fast connections to the surrounding area and to neighboring Hanseatic cities such as Zwolle.
Taxi
Taxis can be easily called to the pier at the IJsselkade or are available at the nearby station. They provide a flexible option for individual tours into the green surroundings of Overijssel and also ensure time-saving mobility on-site.
To make the most of your limited time in Kampen, we recommend an extensive walk through the excellently preserved historic city center directly on the banks of the IJssel.
Historic Old Town & City Gates
The magnificent medieval city gates, such as the Koornmarktspoort, and over 500 historic monuments bear witness to the former power of the Hanseatic League and can be perfectly discovered during a stroll through the city thanks to the compact size of the center.
Museum Ship Kamper Kogge
In the historic outer harbor, a detailed replica of a medieval cog from the 14th century awaits you. Thanks to the authentic atmosphere at the Koggewerft site, it is an ideal destination for deep insight into the maritime history of the Netherlands.
IJsselkade & Stadspark
The wide riverfront promenade offers a picturesque view of the river landscape and leads directly to the green Stadspark in the style of an English landscape garden, which is also perfectly suited for a relaxing break in the countryside thanks to its quiet paths and ponds.
The historic Hanseatic city and the Kamper Kogge
The magnificent old town of Kampen is located directly on the banks of the IJssel and is easily accessible on foot in just a few minutes from the cruise pier at the IJsselkade. An absolute highlight for those interested in culture is the "Kamper Kogge" in the nearby museum harbor, a true-to-life reconstruction of a medieval merchant ship that impressively brings the maritime heyday of the Hanseatic League to life. The charming shopping streets and impressive city gates such as the "Koornmarktspoort" also provide a perfect backdrop for a relaxed stroll, which is ideally complemented by numerous inviting cafés with a view of the water. It is best to plan your shore excursion for the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the historic alleys and return to your ship in good time for lunch or for a cozy coffee break on board.
The journey back to your ship at the IJsselkade is particularly short thanks to the prime location directly by the historic city center and can be easily planned into your shore excursion without any stress.
On Foot
From the central shopping street Oudestraat or the historic town hall, you can walk comfortably back to the river promenade in barely five minutes. The path leads directly through the charming alleys of the old town and is very easy to find thanks to the striking skyline and the IJsselkade serving as a landmark.
Taxi
Taxis are available at Kampen station on the opposite side of the city bridge as well as at central locations such as the forecourt of Hotel Van Dijk. Thanks to the compact city structure, you can reach the port from any excursion destination within a very short time and arrive at your berth punctually and safely.
Public Transport
The regional bus stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the city bridge and provide a direct connection to the surrounding area. Furthermore, Kampen station is just a short walk away across the bridge, ensuring you can always find your way back to the ship on time, even during excursions into the region, thanks to the high frequency of the trains.
