Gemeente Hoorn
Hoorn is a city where history and water come together. In the 17th century, Hoorn was an important trading city and a hub for shipping. That maritime history is still evident everywhere: on the Roode Steen square with the Westfries Museum, along the historic façades, and at the Hoofdtoren, which overlooks the harbour. The historic city centre boasts hundreds of monuments and illustrates how the city has developed over the centuries.
Langs haven, steegjes en pleinen
De charme van Hoorn ontdek je het best al wandelend. Vanuit de haven loop je zo het compacte centrum in, langs oude pakhuizen, sfeervolle winkelstraten en verborgen steegjes. Fietsers trekken eenvoudig het Westfriese landschap in of volgen de dijken langs het Markermeer. Onderweg vind je volop plekken om even te blijven hangen: gezellige terrassen aan het water, lokale winkels en restaurants waar de Westfriese gastvrijheid centraal staat.
Culture between the past and the present
In Hoorn, the past comes to life, but the city also looks to the future. Museums such as the Westfries Museum tell the story of the city and its role in international trade. At the same time, the city is a hub for events, theatre, music and creative initiatives that bring it to life all year round. The historic surroundings provide a unique backdrop for culture and social interaction.
Water, city and landscape within easy reach
In Hoorn, everything is close by. Within minutes, you can walk from the historic city centre to the harbour or the Markermeer. Hop on a boat, take a stroll along the dyke or explore the region on the historic steam tram to Medemblik. The open landscape of West Friesland is also nearby, with villages, polders and panoramic views that invite you to get out and about.
Hoorn is a town with character: maritime, historic and surprisingly lively. A place where stories from the past are palpable and where, today, you can fully enjoy culture, water and West Frisian hospitality.
The first West Frisian city you encounter today is Hoorn. At the beginning of the Eighty Years' War, Hoorn was briefly the most important trading city in Holland. This was because Amsterdam initially sided with the Spaniards, while many cities rallied behind the Revolt. The Zuiderzee cities, together with the Sea Beggars, blockaded the port of Amsterdam. At Hoorn, this escalated into the Battle of the Zuiderzee between the Spanish fleet and the rebels. Past the Binnenhaven, on the Bossuhuizen, you can see colorful friezes depicting the Battle of the Zuiderzee
Walk 150 km along the historic West Frisian Ring Dyke (SP9) past Hoorn, Alkmaar, Medemblik, and Enkhuizen. Divided into 8 daily stages, marked yellow and red.
Walk along the historic West Frisian Ring Dyke with wide views of the Markermeer and through the picturesque village of Schellinkhout — 7.8 km.
Overcast, 15.5°C
Wind speed: 4.4 knots / 8.2 km/h
Wind direction: West
Hoorn is a lovely place to visit all year round. In spring and summer, the town buzzes with activity around the harbour and the Markermeer, whilst autumn and winter bring a sense of tranquillity, a cosy atmosphere and beautiful views along the dykes and in the historic town centre.
Explore the city on foot through the historic streets, cycle along the water’s edge or head out onto the Markermeer. Due to its exposed location, it can sometimes be quite windy, so bear the wind in mind and dress for the season. That way, you’ll get the most out of Hoorn whatever the time of year.
