Holiday apartments in Hoorn on the Markermeer: city, history and nature

Hoorn combines its urban location on the Markermeer with a city beach. At the same time, the protected townscape now encompasses the entire historic city centre. Historic buildings and terraces line the central square.

Culture

At the Museum van de 20e Eeuw, hundreds of objects and dozens of period interiors show how people lived in the 20th century. The museum is located in a former prison on Oostereiland and presents both permanent displays and temporary exhibitions. It can be reached on foot from Hoorn railway station in around 20 minutes; alternatively, a free electric shuttle bus runs from the station and from the De Nieuwe Wal car park.

The Museumstoomtram offers a day trip from the Hoorn tram station via Medemblik to the Zuiderzeemuseum and Enkhuizen. Trips can begin in Hoorn or Enkhuizen, while connections between the tram and boat are available in Medemblik. On the respective operating days, the museum, workshop, museum shop and restoration area open from one hour before the departure of the first tram until one hour after the arrival of the last tram.

At the Centrum Varend Erfgoed Hoorn, an exhibition provides information about Hoorn and the sea, the city’s maritime history, shipping and fishing on the Zuiderzee, as well as shipbuilding and restoration. Around 25 historic working vessels can be viewed up close in the museum harbour and visitor centre, including operational monuments. Several ships can be rented with a crew for short or long sailing trips.

Nature

Natuurpark Blokweer covers more than 14 hectares of meadows and woodland. Remnants of the original landscape of beach ridges and clay areas can be seen there. The park is also home to more than 300 plant species; the so-called Ratelaarvallei blooms yellow and purple in June.

The Boezelbos in Natuurpark Blokweer is a natural play area with water pumps, climbing and scrambling activities, and a small amphitheatre. The Kloostertuin Nieuwlicht is situated on the site of a monastery that stood there 500 years ago and has been designed to be as authentic as possible.

MAK Blokweer offers workshops and group excursions, as well as treasure hunts and GPS routes in Natuurpark Blokweer. The site also includes a regularly held organic market with local and sustainable products, food and crafts. It takes place from March to October on the last Sunday of each month.

Water and routes

The Beeldenroute Hoorn is a 6 km sculpture and city walk along the coast and through the city. It runs from the railway station via Kleine Noord, Westerdijk and Visserseiland, and via water taxi or a detour to Oostereiland, continuing past Hoofdtoren and Oude Haven to Julianapark and back to the centre.

The Oosterpoort is the only surviving city gate in Hoorn. There is a park next to the gate that is suitable for a peaceful walk. Hoorn’s city beach on the Markermeer offers opportunities for beach volleyball, football and yoga.

A tourist information point is located on Oostereiland, providing tips on popular destinations and activities.

Accommodation in Hoorn

When reviewing a holiday apartment in Hoorn or comparing several offers, pay attention to the exact location, type of accommodation and occupancy on the respective offer page. Included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions are also relevant. Check these points for each individual offer and compare only the information specifically stated there. The individual fields help distinguish different offers clearly and align the booking decision with the conditions of each offer. Allow yourself sufficient time to do this before booking.

For further location selection, you can find related location pages here: Hoorn, Graft-De Rijp, Zeevang, Niedorp, Zandvoort, Zijpe, Haarlemmermeer, Langedijk.

To the overarching travel overview: North Holland.