Kampen developed into an important city in the 12th and 13th centuries thanks to trade and shipping. The IJssel became an important waterway and the arrival of the Kogge played a major role here. Kampen had turned into a mighty tradecentre.
The IJssel and the connection that Kampen has with water still determines the townscape of Kampen. In this vein, a reconstruction of a Kogge can be seen in the Oude Buitenhaven near the Koggewerf (the wharf). Moreover, with the building of the Zuiderzeehaven (the Zuyder Zee Port), Kampen hopes once again to become the principle port city of Overijssel.
