Flat land, open skies and centuries-old dike roads — this is the landscape waiting the moment you step outside.
For cyclists and walkers
B&B 't Hanzehuys is right on the IJsselkade — and therefore at the exact crossroads of the finest routes in the region. Within five minutes on a bicycle you are out of the city and into the open polder. The area around Kampen is varied: the floodplains of the IJssel, Kampereiland, the wide polders of the Kop van Overijssel and National Park Weerribben-Wieden — all reachable in the saddle or on foot.
From an hour to a full day
Kampereiland is a unique piece of the Netherlands: a long, narrow island between two branches of the IJssel, inhabited by farmers and surrounded by meadows, dikes and wide skies. The narrow dike roads are almost car-free — you share the road with cows and geese.
Start directly from the B&B via the bridge at Kampen-Noord. The loop along the outer dike offers a spectacular view over the IJssel delta.
One of the finest day rides from Kampen: along the IJssel dike towards Zwolle, through the floodplains with free-roaming horses and cattle. In Zwolle you stop for a coffee in the city centre and cycle back — or take the train.
In spring the floodplains are full of wildflowers. In autumn the colours turn deep gold and red.
The Hanseatic Cities cycling route connects the medieval trading cities along the IJssel. From Kampen you cycle towards Zwolle or Deventer — along the river, through the floodplains and past historic dike villages.
The route is well signposted and follows the IJssel dike for most of its length. Cycle there, take the train back.
The Mastenbroekpolder lies directly west of Kampen and is one of the oldest reclaimed areas in the Netherlands — drained as far back as the 15th century. You cycle through a typically Dutch polder landscape: wide views, ditches and farmhouses on elevated mounds.
The route is almost car-free and flat — ideal for a relaxed morning. Combine it with a stop in Wilsum.
For the keen cyclist: cross the IJssel bridge at Kampen and head south towards Elburg and the edge of the Veluwe. Via Oldebroek you reach the forests — a completely different landscape from the polders.
The outward journey is around 40 km. Take the train back from Elburg or Harderwijk. A full day combining Kampen and the Veluwe.
Giethoorn — the Venice of the North — is forty kilometres from the B&B. You cycle through the Kop van Overijssel: a water-rich polder landscape of canals, farm bridges and reed beds. Via Zwartsluis you reach the village where no cars drive, only boats.
Outward via the Kamperzeedijk; return by bus or stay an extra night in Giethoorn.
| Destination | Distance | Cycling time |
|---|---|---|
| Kampen city centre | 0.5 km | 2 min |
| Kampereiland (outer dike) | 8 km | 25 min |
| Zwolle (city centre) | 20 km | 1 hr |
| Genemuiden | 14 km | 45 min |
| Zwartsluis | 22 km | 1 hr 15 min |
| National Park Weerribben-Wieden | 30 km | 1 hr 45 min |
| Elburg | 38 km | 2 hr 15 min |
| Deventer | 55 km | 3 hr |
For those who prefer their own pace
A loop through the medieval city centre of Kampen along the Oudestraat, Vloeddijk and Burgwal. You pass the Poortkerk, the smallest house in Kampen and the Stedelijk Museum. Fully paved, flat terrain. Ideal as a first introduction to the city.
Passes the Museum Huys der Kunsten and a viewpoint over the IJssel delta. Partly along the IJsselkade and Havenweg — the Hanseatic character of Kampen is very much present here. Fully paved, flat terrain.
A wider loop via the Buitenbroeksweg and Sint Nicolaasdijk to the city outskirts. Along the way you pass the monument Smekende Handen and the Poortkerk. Almost fully paved, flat terrain.
The only route that crosses the IJssel twice. You walk along the IJssel dike, through the floodplains and past cafés along the way. More varied than the shorter routes, with views over the river landscape.
No problem! The B&B has a locked storage area for bicycles. Let us know in advance that you are bringing bikes and we will make sure space is ready. You can also charge your e-bikes there.
Bikes (including e-bikes) can be hired at Fietsverhuur Kampen. For repairs and servicing: van DijkBikes (IJsseldijk 37) and Tweewielerhoek Reinier (Graafschap 30).
VVV Kampen has cycling and walking maps of the region. The Falk cycling map 24 (ANWB) covers the entire area around Kampen excellently.
The region is suitable for cycling and walking all year round. Spring and early autumn are the most beautiful. Current weather at Buienradar.
Book a stay at 't Hanzehuys and step straight onto the bike or walking path the next morning. We are happy to give you personal advice on the best route for your level and the time you have available.
Book your stay Ask for route advice