Best things to do in Hoorn

Hoorn's Essential Highlights

Hoorn served as a major base for the Dutch East India Company during the 17th century, a legacy reflected in its well-preserved maritime architecture. This selection features the 16th-century Hoofdtoren and the Oosterpoort, the city's last remaining gate. Highlights include the Westfries Museum's Golden Age collection and the historic steam tram to Medemblik. A dedicated water taxi network connects key harbor sites, including the cultural hub of Oostereiland.

CarnavalZwaag

Annual carnival event in the Zwaag district featuring one of the largest parades in the northern Netherlands.

M.Minderhoud / Public domain

Oosterpoort

The last remaining city gate of Hoorn, built in 1578 in the Dutch Renaissance style.

Hoofdtoren

A 16th-century defensive harbor tower built in 1532 to protect the city's port.

Paul Hermans / CC BY-SA 4.0

Westfries Museum

The Westfries Museum, in Hoorn, Netherlands, is a history museum of 17th century Hoorn and the region.

Museumstoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik

Heritage railway running historic steam trains between Hoorn and Medemblik, featuring restored locomotives and wooden carriages.

Erik Baas / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Schouwburg Het Park

Modern waterfront theater and concert hall hosting a variety of stage performances and cultural events.

Koepelkerk

Large Roman Catholic church completed in 1882, featuring a prominent dome and Neo-Renaissance design.

GerardM / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Jan Pieterszoon Coen

Statue of the Dutch East India Company governor-general, situated in the central Roode Steen square.

Halte Vuurtoren Watertaxi Hoorn

Boarding point for the local water taxi service located near the city's lighthouse.

Halte Pakhuisstraat Watertaxi Hoorn

Water taxi stop providing access to the historic warehouse district.

Halte Oostereiland Watertaxi Hoorn

Water taxi stop at Oostereiland, a former prison complex converted into a cultural hub with a cinema and museum.

Halte ABC Watertaxi Hoorn

Water taxi platform located in the historic harbor area near Appelhaven.