This calm Dutch town has preserved its 17th-century architecture around the main square. Its canals and Dutch East India Company Museum tell stories of maritime trade history.
Just 35 kilometers north of Amsterdam, Hoorn tells the story of the Dutch Golden Age through its step-gabled merchant houses and maritime past. Walk down Grote Oost street to see intricate stone facades from the 1600s, climb the Hoofdtoren tower for views across the Markermeer lake, or step into a 1950s living room at the Museum of the 20th Century. The city's old harbor, with its wooden sailing ships and historic warehouses, remains active with boats heading out to nearby fishing villages.
Discovering the Harbor District
Climb the stone steps of the Hoofdtoren, built in 1532, for panoramic views of the Markermeer lake. The tower's restaurant occupies the former guard rooms, where you can eat while watching boats sail past. Follow the inner harbor's walking path to explore three historic canals, where former spice warehouses now house apartments and cafes. Look up to spot the original wooden loading beams that merchants used to hoist cargo from ships.
Exploring Central Squares and Streets
The Roode Steen square comes alive during market days, when vendors sell local cheese and fresh produce beneath 17th-century buildings. Step into the Waag building from 1609, now a café, to see the original wooden beams and iron weighing scales that merchants used to measure their goods. The surrounding streets reveal carved stone details above doorways and decorated window frames that wealthy merchants added to show their success.
Museum Experience
Walk through 25 rooms in the Westfries Museum to see how Dutch merchants lived in the 1600s. Each room contains original furniture, navigation tools, and paintings from the period. At the Museum of the 20th Century, you'll find complete Dutch living rooms from different decades - from a basic 1950s setup with a tube radio to a colorful 1970s room with orange wallpaper and vinyl records.
Getting Around and Day Trips
Trains run every 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station to Hoorn. From May to October, ride the historic steam tram that connects Hoorn to Medemblik - the restored 19th-century carriages travel along the coast for a 90-minute journey. Take a 26-minute train ride to Enkhuizen to visit the Zuiderzee Museum, where you can see traditional fishing boats and learn about life around the former Zuiderzee.
Water Activities
Navigate Hoorn's old harbors in an electric boat, which you can rent by the hour to explore at your own pace. Join a water taxi tour to learn about the harbor's history while passing historic ships and buildings. In summer, the city beach next to the center lets you swim in the Markermeer while watching traditional sailing vessels pass by. Local sailing schools offer basic sailing lessons on small boats, perfect for beginners who want to experience the lake.
