MBT Berkel-Regge 'zompen' (19th century) - Construction Drawing Scale 1 : 50 (10.05.012)

The Berkel-Regge 'zompen' are replicas of traditional 'zompen' that were used between approximately 1670 and 1925 on the rivers Berkel and Regge in the East of the Netherlands. These flat-bottomed boats were essential for transporting goods in an era without modern infrastructure.

What is a 'zomp'?

A 'zomp' is a type of flat-bottomed boat with a wide, deep hull and foldable sideboards (washboards), which gave the vessel ample cargo space with a shallow draught. This made it ideal for shallow and winding rivers such as the Berkel and Regge. The 'zompen' were used for transporting various goods, from oak logs to household contents during removals .

Today, you can sail with the Berkel 'zomp' in four locations along the Berkel:

Borculo: The 'zomp' "Jappe" sails daily from April to October along the old Berkel to the Beekvliet estate and back. Boat trips last approximately one hour and can be booked via VVV Borculo .

Lochem: The 'zompen' "Ente" and "Fute" sail from April to October along the Berkel. Boat trips last approximately one hour and can be booked via VVV Lochem.

Almen: The 'zomp' "Fute" sails from April until the end of September along the Berkel. Boat trips last approximately one hour and can be booked via Museum STAAL or De Berkel swimming pool .

Eibergen: The 'zomp' "Snippe" sails from April to November along the Berkel. Boat trips last approximately one hour and can be booked via VVV Eibergen .

Restoration and Preservation

In 1989, the "Jappe" was rebuilt by the Stichting De Berkelzomp (Berkel 'Zomp' Foundation), with the help of volunteers and European subsidies. This reconstruction was based on original construction drawings and marked the beginning of the re-evaluation of the Berkel 'zomp' as sailing heritage

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