Hoorn on the Markermeer: harbour, city beach and history

Hoorn combines its location on the Markermeer with a city beach and a historic city centre. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hoorn, you can tailor your stay to your plans: the city’s history and maritime heritage, a ride on the Museumstoomtram, or time for the countryside, markets and activities each offer a different focus. The area’s sights and activities reveal different sides of the destination, from city walks to experiences in nature.

Discover the city’s history on foot

The protected townscape today encompasses the entire historic city centre. A central square is surrounded by historic buildings and terraces. The Oosterpoort is Hoorn’s only surviving city gate; next to it is a park that’s ideal for a peaceful stroll.

The 6 km Beeldenroute Hoorn combines sculpture with a city walk along the coast and through the city. From the railway station, the route leads along Kleine Noord, Westerdijk and Visserseiland. From there, continue to Oostereiland by water taxi or via a detour; the route then passes Hoofdtoren and Oude Haven on its way to Julianapark and back to the centre. You can plan the walk around its various stops rather than heading to just one particular spot.

Museum and maritime history

The Museum van de 20e Eeuw is housed in a former prison on Oostereiland. Hundreds of objects and dozens of period interiors show how people lived in the 20th century. Alongside permanent displays, there are temporary exhibitions. The museum is about a 20-minute walk from Hoorn railway station. Alternatively, a free electric shuttle bus runs from the station and the De Nieuwe Wal car park; check the current shuttle arrangements before travelling. Oostereiland also has a tourist information point with tips on popular places to visit and things to do. Check opening hours before your visit.

At Centrum Varend Erfgoed Hoorn, you can see around 25 historic working vessels up close in the museum harbour and visitor centre, including sailing monuments. An exhibition tells the story of Hoorn and the sea, as well as shipping and fishing on the Zuiderzee, shipbuilding and restoration. Several vessels can be chartered with a crew for short or long sailing trips. Availability and sailing periods may vary, so check in advance.

Explore by Museumstoomtram

The Museumstoomtram offers a day trip that starts at Hoorn tram station and travels via Medemblik to the Zuiderzeemuseum and Enkhuizen. Trips can start in Hoorn or Enkhuizen; in Medemblik, you can transfer between the tram and the boat. If you’re planning a trip, check the current timetable beforehand. The choice of starting point and the transfer in Medemblik are separate aspects to consider: you can choose where to begin and take the connection between the tram and boat into account.

Nature, markets and activities

Natuurpark Blokweer covers more than 14 hectares of meadows and woodland. Remnants of the original landscape, including beach ridges and Kadettenland, can be seen there; the park area is home to more than 300 plant species. The so-called Ratelaarvallei blooms yellow and purple in June. The seasonal bloom depends on the weather and the year.

The Boezelbos, a natural play area, has water pumps, places to climb and scramble, and a small amphitheatre. Kloostertuin Nieuwlicht stands on the site of a monastery that was there 500 years ago and has been designed to be as authentic as possible. MAK Blokweer offers workshops and group outings, as well as treasure hunts and GPS routes in Natuurpark Blokweer. Since activities and booking options may change, it’s worth checking the official events calendar.

The MAK Blokweer organic market also gives visits a seasonal rhythm: it takes place on the last Sunday of each month from March to October. Local and sustainable products, food and crafts are on offer. Check the specific dates before your trip. Hoorn’s Stadsstrand on the Markermeer offers opportunities for beach volleyball, football and yoga—a different focus from the historic walks and maritime collections.

Discover more destinations: Hoorn, Zandvoort, Wormerland, Edam-Volendam, Blaricum, Wieringermeer, Heerhugowaard, Heemstede.

For the overview of the wider region: North Holland.