Hoorn

When you arrive in Hoorn one thing is immediately evident: the town is beautiful, atmospheric and versatile. You will encounter the history of this powerful VOC town on every street corner. The warehouses, harbours and prominent houses: absolutely everything exudes the prosperity of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when Hoorn still maintained trading relations with Asia. However, modern-day Hoorn is also a sight to behold. From luxury terraces and trendy fashion stores to cultural meeting spots: it's all present in this port on the Markermeer.

Museum city
When visiting Hoorn be sure to visit one of the many museums. One example is the Westfries Museum, which shows the distant past of the town in an intriguing manner. The renovated Poster Museum is also recommended. And the Museum of the Twentieth Century is a feast of recognition of the 'older youths'. Take the Hoorn-Medemblik Steam Tram and go on a wonderful journey through time. And last but not least: on Ooster Island, beside the water, beside the Sailing Heritage centre, you will find a replica of historical ship De Halve Maen.

Time to cool down
If, after a day in Hoorn, you want to enjoy a swim in the freshwater of Markermeer, then seek out one of the small beaches on the town shores. The sunbathing meadow is located near Het Park theatre and the sand beach of Zon en Vreugd, and the lovely shell beach can be found beside the Juliana Park. You can also pull up a chair here at the trendy pavilion Oranje Buiten for a drink or lunch. Would you like to spend more time in Hoorn? Then the city and the hinterland have more than enough accommodation providers who will give you a warm welcome. On a boat you can spend the night in one of the many marinas in the town centre where you will find nothing lacking.

Tip: would you like to know the ins and outs of Hoorn? Then a written city walk is available to help you discover the most beautiful spots in Hoorn.