Hoorn travel guide
Hoorn Tourism | Hoorn Guide
You're Going to Love Hoorn
During the 16th century, the Dutch port of Hoorn was the center of world trade, knitting together continents with its enormous merchant fleet. Nowadays, the medieval port is still there, along with plenty of museums, but it's been joined by superb restaurants, markets, and cultural attractions.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hoorn
1. It's a Fascinating Historic Port
Shaped like a horn (strangely enough), Hoorn's port is a beautiful sight, and it's full of historical interest. See landmarks like the Hoofdtoren tower and the Oosterkerk, and wander the remarkably preserved 16th-century streets.
2. There Are Lots of Excellent Museums
Superb museums in Hoorn include the artistically themed Westfries Museum, Halve Maen (a reconstructed Dutch East India Company ship), and the quirkier Museum of the 20th Century.
3. The Food and Drink Is Superb
From the irresistible cheese market held every Thursday to exceptional restaurants like Restaurant d'Oude Waegh and Marque, Hoorn is one of the Netherlands' finest dining destinations.
4. Take a Historical Steam Train Ride
Hoorn also allows you to take a journey back into the 19th century with the Historische Driehoek, which runs a few miles northwards to the almost as enchanting harbor of Medemblik.
5. There Are Plenty of Nearby Attractions
With Amsterdam an hour to the south and other beautiful West Friesian cities like Volendam and Alkmaar to visit, Hoorn's hinterland is a wonderful place to explore.
What to do in Hoorn
1. Dine In The Middle Ages
Located on the harbor, the Hoofdtoren tower, which dates back to 1532, currently houses one of the city's best restaurants. One of the city's few remaining medieval fortifications, the tower is flanked by Jan van Druten sculpture of ship mates from the 17th century Johan Fabricius children's book. The eatery itself features fresh and seasonal produce as well as a selection of fine wines. Guests can enjoy up to a six-course dinner prepared by the restaurant's world-renowned chefs.
2. Revisit The 17Th Century
The former seat of the Staten-College, which governed Noord-Holland, the Westfries Museum, built in 1632, showcases historical masterpieces, including the works of 17th century artist Jan A. Rotius. The building itself is notable for its wedding-cake façade, which bears the coat of arms of Oranje-Nassau, and its stone courtyard. Museum highlights include its collection of silver and porcelain artifacts, firearms and military relics. The museum extends throughout 25 rooms, including the restored 15th century cellars.
3. A Galaxy Far, Far Away
A former prison, the Museum van de Twintigste Eeuw, which displays a curious collection of innovative household items and inventions, is one of the city's most popular family-friendly attractions. Among the highlights, visitors will find an enormous 1964 Philips mainframe computer and a 1650 thirty square meter model of Hoorn. Three of the museum's halls are dedicated to Star Wars and feature replicas of the Millennium Falcon, life-sized figures of Darth Vader, Chewbacca and Princess Leia, as well as a number of stunning LEGO Star Wars models.
4. 100 Years Of Illustrations
A poster gallery housed in an 18th century water board building, the Affiche Museum showcases a remarkable collection of colorful prints, including classic steamship and train advertisements. With a permanent collection of Dutch posters from the last 100 years, the museum revisits the history of modern print works, including a selection of World War I propaganda posters. The museum also houses a vast library of advertising materials with over a thousand poster books and magazines. Noted artists include Roland Holst, Jan Sluyters, Jan Toorop, Berlage, Bart van der Leck and H. Th. Wijdeveld.
5. Sample Hoorn's Cheeses
A former gallows square named for its bloody past, the Rode Steen is set on a square guarded by the statue of Jan Peterszoon Coen, the founder of the Dutch East India Company. On one side of the square, visitors will find the Waag, the 17th century weigh house. The square hosts the city's cheese market, which features a live commentator who discusses the Dutch cheese trade and Hoorn's world-famous Beemster cheese. The market opens from June 13 to August 31.
1. Dine In The Middle Ages
Located on the harbor, the Hoofdtoren tower, which dates back to 1532, currently houses one of the city's best restaurants. One of the city's few remaining medieval fortifications, the tower is flanked by Jan van Druten sculpture of ship mates from the 17th century Johan Fabricius children's book. The eatery itself features fresh and seasonal produce as well as a selection of fine wines. Guests can enjoy up to a six-course dinner prepared by the restaurant's world-renowned chefs.
2. Revisit The 17Th Century
The former seat of the Staten-College, which governed Noord-Holland, the Westfries Museum, built in 1632, showcases historical masterpieces, including the works of 17th century artist Jan A. Rotius. The building itself is notable for its wedding-cake façade, which bears the coat of arms of Oranje-Nassau, and its stone courtyard. Museum highlights include its collection of silver and porcelain artifacts, firearms and military relics. The museum extends throughout 25 rooms, including the restored 15th century cellars.
3. A Galaxy Far, Far Away
A former prison, the Museum van de Twintigste Eeuw, which displays a curious collection of innovative household items and inventions, is one of the city's most popular family-friendly attractions. Among the highlights, visitors will find an enormous 1964 Philips mainframe computer and a 1650 thirty square meter model of Hoorn. Three of the museum's halls are dedicated to Star Wars and feature replicas of the Millennium Falcon, life-sized figures of Darth Vader, Chewbacca and Princess Leia, as well as a number of stunning LEGO Star Wars models.
4. 100 Years Of Illustrations
A poster gallery housed in an 18th century water board building, the Affiche Museum showcases a remarkable collection of colorful prints, including classic steamship and train advertisements. With a permanent collection of Dutch posters from the last 100 years, the museum revisits the history of modern print works, including a selection of World War I propaganda posters. The museum also houses a vast library of advertising materials with over a thousand poster books and magazines. Noted artists include Roland Holst, Jan Sluyters, Jan Toorop, Berlage, Bart van der Leck and H. Th. Wijdeveld.
5. Sample Hoorn's Cheeses
A former gallows square named for its bloody past, the Rode Steen is set on a square guarded by the statue of Jan Peterszoon Coen, the founder of the Dutch East India Company. On one side of the square, visitors will find the Waag, the 17th century weigh house. The square hosts the city's cheese market, which features a live commentator who discusses the Dutch cheese trade and Hoorn's world-famous Beemster cheese. The market opens from June 13 to August 31.
Activities & attractions in Hoorn
Where to Eat in Hoorn
Good food is easy to come by in Hoorn. Standout eateries include Marque, which specializes in European haute cuisine; Fa. D. Wormsbecher en Zoon, a seafood takeaway place; and Brasserie Marmaris, an excellent Turkish restaurant. Prices range from EUR20 to EUR40 per head.
When to visit Hoorn
Summer is definitely the time to visit. Not only will the sights be at their best, but Hoorn hosts lively music events like Outdoor Stereo and Live in Hoorn in July and August.
How to Get to Hoorn
Plane
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) is around 40 miles south of Hoorn. From there, you can take a direct train (44 minutes, EUR12-20).
Train
Trains run into Hoorn from Amsterdam Centraal, taking just over an hour and costing around EUR15.
Car
From Amsterdam, take the A10 to Zaandam, then the E22 straight into Hoorn.
Bus
EBS runs regular buses from Amsterdam to Hoorn, which leave every 20 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal and cost EUR10.
Airlines serving Hoorn
Where to stay in Hoorn
Superb accommodation providers in Hoorn include the cozy Hotel Petit Nord, which has an Asian restaurant, and the Hotel de Magneet, which has exceptional harbor views.
Popular Neighborhoods in Hoorn
Binnenstad - a dense network of squares and streets, Binnenstad dates back to the 14th century and contains great attractions like the Westfries Museum.
Oostereiland - a tiny islet just off the shore, Oostereiland hosts the Museum of the 20th Century, a great cinema, and some of the best views of the old town.
Kersenboogerd - slightly to the northeast of the city center, Kersenboogerd hosts some excellent restaurants, including Brasserie Marmaris, and has its own station, making it easy to reach central attractions.
Where to stay in popular areas of Hoorn
Most booked hotels in Hoorn
How to Get Around Hoorn
Public Transportation
Public buses run to most areas of Hoorn and cost a couple of Euros per journey. There are also a couple of train stations in outlying districts, and cycle rental places are everywhere.
Taxi
Taxis in Hoorn charge EUR4.50 as a flag drop, followed by around EUR3 per mile after that.
Car
Car rental options include Bo-Rent and Welkers, where packages start at around EUR10 per day.
The Cost of Living in Hoorn
Shopping Streets
The city center is the place to shop, whether you head to the Saturday market or stroll along Grote Noord, checking out stores like Costes or Hunkemöller.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets in the city include Vogel and DEEN, where 12 eggs will cost around EUR2.50.