It’s a simple day trip from Amsterdam to the charming Dutch city of Hoorn, which is regarded as one of the prettiest in the country. Discover the charming city and take in its history, the welcoming environment characteristic of the Netherlands, and the atmospheric nature in the vicinity. Here are all about Hoorn in the Netherlands that you should know before visiting.
What is Hoorn famous for?
Hoorn is regarded as a historic commerce center that peaked in the 17th century when it served as one of the principal centers for the Dutch East India Company. In the inner city, there are several imposing structures that serve as reminders of this significant historical time. Along with its charming ancient city, it is also well-known for its stunning waterfront on Markermeer Lake.
Is it worth visiting Hoorn?
The spectacular Dutch Renaissance restoration buildings dot Hoorn’s historic city center is among the best reasons to visit. It is a great city to spend a day getting lost in, even though it isn’t as big as Amsterdam. Hoorn’s picturesque harbor area and relaxed atmosphere were my favorites.
It’s important to note that there isn’t much information about Hoorn in English. Nevertheless, most Hoorn residents are fluent in English, and you can always inquire if something is only available in Dutch. People were quite friendly to me when they discovered that I was American after inquiring about my strange accent in Dutch.
It is particularly alluring because there are few tourists, and it’s only 30 minutes from Amsterdam. I now genuinely appreciate regions still untouched by the mass tourists because I live in Amsterdam. I enjoyed getting lost in Hoorn’s picturesque streets with my companion and relaxing in the city’s numerous adorable cafes.
History of the Dutch city
Hoorn was developed in the early 8th century and became a commerce center due to its great port and solid linkages with other trading centers and nations. In the mid-1300s, the Count of Holland received a tribute from Hoorn so it could become a city.
In subsequent centuries, ships from Hoorn traveled over the world, bringing back spices from Indonesia. Not all of their business was on an equal level with the locals, and captains like Jans Pitersoen Coen, who built Jakarta, had a reputation for ferocity during his journeys in the 1600s. Willem Ysbrandtsz Bontekoe circled the southernmost tip of South America in 1618 and christened it Kaap Hoorn in honor of his city home.
After this period of prosperity, Hoorn turned to fish to keep its economy running. After Napoleon’s war, the city prospered through land trade, not the sea. A dairy market sprang root and became the main source of income for many town traders. This expanded when the railway came to Hoorn in the mid-1800s, along with the creation of adequate roads, which facilitated greater commercial relations with the local region.
In the 1930s, the port’s Dyke was completed, cutting off access to the sea. After WWII, the city created a large horticultural sector to diversify. Twenty years later, the city was included in a plan to house Amsterdam’s rising workforce. Due to its proximity to the capital, it offered workers a better lifestyle and an easy commute to Amsterdam.
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Getting to and around Hoorn, The Netherlands
Hoorn, which is situated near the IJsselmeer lake in the north of Holland, is only about 45 minute’s drive from Amsterdam, the country’s capital, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Public transportation is another simple way to reach Hoorn (bus and train). Please pay close attention to where you can park if you’re traveling by automobile. The time limit for parking in the paid lots in Hoorn’s center is 2 hours. Parking spaces at Lambert Meliszweg, Noorderveemarkt, Spoorsingel, Stationsplein, Vale Hen, Westerdijk, and on the southern end of the station route all offer unlimited parking time.
Best attractions in Hoorn, The Netherlands
De Waag: A noteworthy landmark in Hoorn, The Netherlands
De Waag is a noteworthy landmark in Hoorn that you should see during your day trip there. To go to Hoorn, use this city guide! travel, Holland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom
Built-in 1609, the beautiful The Waag is located in Hoorn’s historic district. Historically, it served as a weigh station where the value of commodities bought and sold could be determined. It’s now a charming cafe, so go inside and look! It is situated in Hoorn’s most well-known plaza, de Roode Steen.
Roode Steen: A pleasant market square
The Roode Steen, which got its name from the blood formerly poured on these stones, is impossible to miss. In the past, it was the major plaza where executions took place, but it is today merely a pleasant market square.
Westfries Museum: Must-visit place in Hoorn, The Netherlands
One of the most stunning things to do in Hoorn is to see the exterior of the Westfries Museum. This city tour will let you see the city, a day trip from Amsterdam, home to some of the most stunning Dutch buildings.
Even if you choose not to enter this community museum, which houses exhibits related to West Friesland’s history and the VOC, it is worthwhile to see this magnificent structure from a distance. The structure itself is a 1632 Rijksmonument structure.
Explore the lovely Grote Oost: The most picturesque streets in Hoorn
One of Hoorn’s most picturesque streets is the Grote Oost, or Great East. The merchant elite owned many of the homes, which date back to the 1600s and 1700s. Along the Groot Oost, there are lots of adorable businesses.
Don’t miss Veermanskade
The Veermanskade was one of my favorite avenues in Hoorn to meander down. Along with numerous lovely ships, this waterfront neighborhood also features lovely Dutch homes from the 17th century. Instantaneously returning to Hoorn’s top is simple to do. (Bierkade was also enjoyable, but these streets are essentially connected.)
Hoofdtoren: An iconic place in Hoorn
Since 1532, the Hoofdtoren has served as a defensive tower. In comparison to the remainder of the tower, the clock is relatively new, having been built in 1651. It’s impossible to miss this well-known representation of the city while you’re in the Harbor of Hoorn.
Visit Oosterpoort
The Oosterpoort dates back to 1578 and is the last surviving city gate in Hoorn. It’s a little outside of Hoorn’s main area, but if you’re already there, it’s worth a quick stroll.
Go to Hoorn markets
For those preferring a more intimate cheese market, there is a weekly cheese market held in Hoorn every Thursday from June to August. After 1 pm, you can find the entertainment in the Roodesteenplein during the afternoon. The cheese market in Alkmaar is comparable to the current market.
There are a few other weekly markets, such as the numerous market stalls that line Breed and Nieuwstraat on Saturdays (among other streets). Similar to Tuesdays, Wednesdays have smaller marketplaces. An organic market is held on the last Sunday of each month.
Lappendag, a unique annual market, takes place in August once a year. The history of this market, which is among the biggest in the Netherlands, dates back to the Middle Ages. Here, you may find apparel of any kind!
Hoorn in the Netherlands is a charming small town that can be easily reached from central Amsterdam for a day trip, but it has so much to offer that it merits a vacation all by itself. Plan your vacation to Hoorn today and take advantage of everything stated.
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