Religious site
Bovenkerk, Kampen
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The Bovenkerk, or Upper Church, dominates Kampen's skyline with its imposing Gothic tower and soaring nave. As you approach, the sheer scale of the brick exterior and the intricate stonework of the tower draw your eye upward. Inside, the church is light and airy, with tall columns, ribbed vaults, and large windows that filter sunlight over the pews. The pulpit and organ are finely carved, and the floor is paved with old gravestones. The tower, which you can climb for a fee, offers panoramic views over the IJssel river and the historic city center. The church is still used for services and concerts, adding a living layer to its centuries-old presence. What makes it distinctive is its unadorned, powerful brick Gothic style, typical of the Hanseatic region, and the way it anchors the medieval street plan of Kampen.
Don't miss
- Climb the tower for panoramic views of Kampen and the IJssel river
- Admire the medieval stained glass and carved wooden pulpit
- See the old gravestones set into the floor, some with heraldic motifs
- Attend a concert or service to experience the acoustics and atmosphere
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Bovenkerk, Kampen
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inOld Goa Heritage Walk by Make It Happen4.9★ · 875 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$13 per personSee dates →
Most bookedFontainhas Heritage Walk by Make It Happen4.9★ · 2,983 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$13 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleHampden Estate Rum Tour and Lunch from Falmouth5★ · 21 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$172 per personSee dates →More attractions in Kampen