On the Markermeer, Hoorn combines its urban setting with a city beach. At the same time, museum ships, historic sites and an expansive nature park invite you to explore a range of attractions, from the city’s maritime history to flowering meadows.
Harbour and Historic Cityscape
At the museum harbour and visitor centre of Centrum Varend Erfgoed Hoorn, you can view around 25 historic working vessels up close, including sailing monuments. An exhibition there explores Hoorn and the sea, as well as the city’s maritime history. It covers shipping and fishing on the Zuiderzee, shipbuilding and restoration.
Several vessels can be hired with a crew for short or long sailing trips. Availability and sailing times may vary, so check the options in advance. Hoorn’s historic cityscape also tells a story: the protected cityscape now encompasses the entire historic city centre. The central square is surrounded by historic buildings and terraces. Oosterpoort is the city’s only surviving city gate; next to it is a park that’s ideal for a peaceful stroll.
Museums and Practical Information
The Museum van de 20e Eeuw uses hundreds of objects and dozens of period interiors to show how people lived in the 20th century. It is housed in a former prison on Oostereiland and features permanent displays as well as changing exhibitions.
From Hoorn railway station, it is about a 20-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, a free electric shuttle bus runs from the station and from the De Nieuwe Wal car park. Check the current shuttle arrangements before travelling. Oostereiland is also home to a tourist information point with tips on places to visit and things to do; check its opening hours before your visit.
Exploring by Tram and on City Walks
The Museumstoomtram offers a day trip from the tram station in Hoorn via Medemblik to the Zuiderzeemuseum and Enkhuizen. Trips can start in Hoorn or Enkhuizen, and in Medemblik you can transfer between the tram and boat. Check the current timetable when planning your trip.
The Beeldenroute Hoorn combines sculpture with a city walk along a 6 km route by the coast and through the city. From the railway station, it leads via Kleine Noord, Westerdijk and Visserseiland to Oostereiland, which you can reach by water taxi or via a detour. The route then continues past Hoofdtoren and Oude Haven to Julianapark and back to the city centre. The tram day trip and the walk offer different ways to explore Hoorn and the surrounding area.
Blokweer Nature Park Through the Seasons
Blokweer Nature Park covers more than 14 hectares of meadows and woodland. Remnants of the original landscape, including beach ridges and embankments, can also be seen here. More than 300 plant species grow in the park. In the so-called Ratelaarvallei, yellow and purple flowers bloom in June; how abundant the blooms are depends on the weather and the year.
Boezelbos has a nature-themed play area with water pumps, opportunities to climb and scramble, and a small amphitheatre. Kloostertuin Nieuwlicht is located on the site of a monastery that stood there 500 years ago and has been designed to be as authentic as possible. This means that observing nature, being active and visiting a historic site can all be enjoyed in the park, each in its own way.
Activities by the Water and at the Market
At Hoorn’s city beach on the Markermeer, you can play beach volleyball or football, and practise yoga. MAK Blokweer also offers workshops and group trips, as well as treasure hunts and GPS routes in Blokweer Nature Park. As activities and booking options may change, check the official events calendar.
From March to October, MAK Blokweer’s organic market is held on the last Sunday of each month. Local and sustainable products, food and handicrafts are on offer. Check the exact dates before travelling. Whether you want to focus on a market visit, a tram ride, maritime history or time in nature, Hoorn offers different ways to make the most of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Hoorn, Bloemendaal, Enkhuizen, Haarlemmermeer, Hollands Kroon, Heemskerk, Wormerland, Castricum.
View the main travel overview: North Holland.
