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Hoorn lies on the Markermeer, with the harbour behind it and a rich history embedded in its stones. In days gone by, ships set sail from here, goods arrived, and the town grew into a place of significance.
You can still see that today. In the old façades, the sturdy towers and the narrow streets that naturally make you pause and look around. Hoorn is compact, yet full of character. You can stroll from the quayside to the square, from the museum to the town beach. Along the way, you can stop for a drink on a terrace, hear a good story or simply enjoy the breeze.
In Hoorn , every little street has a great story to tell.
From a prison cell to a hotel room, with an arthouse cinema and a café just round the corner.
Where Hoorn once defended its harbour, you can now enjoy a meal with a view.
In high spirits, with sand between your toes and the Markermeer right on your doorstep.
Put on your sturdy boots, grab a rope. This is where kids develop their character.
Grandma’s toys, things from days gone by. Time for a journey through time.
At Oil & Vinegar in Hoorn , you can find everything you need to add a little extra zing to your snack platter, salad or pasta. Think olive oil, vinegar, herb mixes, sauces, tapenades and other tasty treats for the kitchen.
The Westfries Museum is currently undergoing a major renovation, but you don’t have to wait for it to reopen to discover the story of Hoorn. History can be found throughout the town, in its façades, quays, monuments and streets.
Start with the multimedia show at the Statenpoort. In just fifteen minutes, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Hoorn : trade, the harbour, wealth and the downside that goes hand in hand with it. It’s not a dry lecture, but a solid dose of history.
Then continue with the museum’s Podwalk and explore the town at your own pace. Put on your headphones and follow a route past historic buildings, important locations and stories you might otherwise miss.
Tip: wear comfortable shoes. Hoorn is best explored on foot.
Start your journey through time
De Roode Steen is the heart of Hoorn. Surrounded by historic façades, bustling terraces and always something to see. Pull up a chair for lunch at The Bamboo Room or Brunch Brothers, enjoy a ‘Hoorns Nat’ in the sun or grab a strong coffee at Koffie van Hoorn. A quick sit-down here soon turns into another round.
Hoorn’s historic centre is full of independent shops, distinctive façades, cafés and narrow side streets. Wander away from the main shopping streets and you’ll find plenty of interesting places tucked away around the next corner. Take your time – exploring without a fixed route is part of the fun.
It’s no coincidence that Het Park Theatre is situated on the waterfront. Here, you can enjoy cabaret, theatre, music or a great family show whilst taking in the view of the Markermeer. First into town, then into the theatre. Or the other way round. Hoorn will naturally make it a night to remember.
At Hoorn Tram Station, the steam is already building up. The stoker shovels coal, the locomotive hisses and the conductor punches your ticket. So, all aboard. You’ll travel from Hoorn to Medemblik in historic carriages, along the local railway line dating from 1887.
Along the way, you’ll look out over the West Frisian countryside, with old stations and bridges that are still very much in use. Children can enjoy the Steam Safari: exploring, looking around and simply chugging along as they go. In Medemblik , you can return by tram, or carry on aboard the museum ship Friesland towards Enkhuizen.
Be sure to take some time to visit Hoorn Tram Station. There you’ll see old locomotives, the working signal box, De Tijdlijn and the Bello Atelier. Here, history smells of coal, iron and oil. Impressive stuff, and still running under its own steam.
Come aboard
Feet in the sand and views over the Markermeer. At Oranje Buiten, you can pull up a chair for lunch, drinks or dinner by the water. The children head for the beach, whilst you relax on the terrace. Life can be so simple.
Book a table
Hop on board and take in Hoorn from the water. The Watertaxi takes you past the Hoofdtoren, Oostereiland and the old harbours. Along the way, the skipper will tell you about the sights you’d otherwise just walk past. Prefer to steer yourself? Hire an electric boat. No licence required, just a bit of nerve.
Take to the water
Paddle in hand, Hoorn from the water. At SUP Spirit, you can book a tour, a lesson or a board for your own trip. A bit of wobble is all part of the fun. Then you’ll glide past quays, boats and the sounds of the city. Staying dry is a bonus.
Choose a tour
Hotel Oostereiland in Hoorn used to be a prison. You might once have been locked up there, but now you can go there for a lovely night away. You’ll sleep in a prison cell with thick walls and a steel door. But believe us: staying here is no punishment.
Sleep beneath the arches of the Grote Kerk. At Heavens Hotel, you’ll stay right in the heart of Hoorn, surrounded by period features and fresh, airy rooms. Breakfast is served right in the church. And for lunch or dinner, take a seat at The Saint Social Club. Heavenly? Yes. But with both feet firmly on the ground.
Right in the heart of the Roode Steen, you’ll stay at Boutique Hotel Ysbrantsz. Step outside and you’ll find yourself amongst terraces, historic façades and shops. The hotel has 10 unique rooms, each with historic details and its own individual décor. Downstairs is the restaurant, where they use seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients.
Tropical dining, right in the heart of Hoorn. At The Bamboo Room, you can share dishes featuring flavours from Suriname, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan. Think: lunch, shared dining and zesty cocktails. So don’t just keep to one plate for yourself. Just dig in, taste and order some more.
De Klinker is a traditional café on the Roode Steen, serving lunch, dinner and beer tastings. The resident beer sommeliers can help you find the right beer to accompany your meal – or introduce you to something new.
With its conservatory and city garden, De Tuynkamer is a relaxed place for lunch, high tea or homemade apple pie. You’ll find it on Gedempte Turfhaven, right in the centre of Hoorn. Stop in for coffee or lunch, or stay a little longer and enjoy the garden.
In Hoorn , there’s something for everyone. Stroll through the Hoorn streets, grab a seat on a terrace at the Roode Steen, or walk on to the harbour. Prefer to head out onto the water? Hop on the water taxi, hire a SUP or settle down on the city beach. Another great option: take the Museum Steam Tram towards Medemblik. Breathe in the steam, with the West Frisian countryside passing by your window.
Start at the harbour. There you’ll find the Hoofdtoren, Oostereiland and historic façades that have seen it all. On Oostereiland, you’ll find, amongst other things, the Museum of the 20th Century, Cinema Oostereiland and Hotel Oostereiland, housed in the old prison. The Westfries Museum is currently being restored, but the story continues with the multimedia show in the Statenpoort and the ‘podwalk’ through the city.
Absolutely. In the Boezelbos, kids can put on their wellies and will probably come back covered in mud. On the town beach, they can play with sand between their toes. The Museum Steam Tram is also a hit: old carriages, hissing steam and plenty to see along the way. And at the Museum of the 20th Century, they’ll discover what Grandma used to play with. A journey through time, but without any of the hassle. For lunch or a coffee with the kids, you’ll be in good hands at Kidscafé Toetie & Bo, Grand Café Turf and MAK Café.
For lunch or a coffee, the area around the Roode Steen is a great spot, for example at The Bamboo Room, Brunch Brothers or Koffie van Hoorn. Fancy a speciality beer? Pop into De Klinker and enjoy a ‘Hoorns Nat’ on the terrace. For dinner, you could head to The Bamboo Room, De Tuynkamer or Oranje Buiten by the water, amongst others. You can spend the night in true style: in an old prison cell at Hotel Oostereiland or beneath the arches of the Grote Kerk at Heavens Hotel. See all hotels in Hoorn here.