The 'Port Hoorn' opened in Nagasaki (Japan) in April 2016. This is a small and free accessible theme park in which replicas of various famous … read more about A piece of Hoorn in Japan
Historic Hoorn, the Netherlands
Hoorn is a historic port city located on the Markermeer, and a very important city in the Dutch Golden Age (1602 - 1702). Many traces of this past can be admired in the historic centre of Hoorn. The city has 368 national monuments and has just over 74,000 inhabitants.
At about 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Hoorn is well worth a visit for a day to wander through the charming streets and alleys. The picturesque harbour area and the main square are a 'must see'. For all practical information about a private guided tour or city walk Hoorn, the Netherlands click here!
Private Guided Tours
If you really want to get to know Hoorn, book a tour! Ideal for families, couples or larger groups. Guided tours are always tailor-made and usually last 1.5 to 2 hours.
For foreign guests I always make a tour tailored to your needs. Guided tours can be extended to a full day. The costs depend on the duration of the tour, the size of the group, the mode of transport, etc. Please contact me for a quote.
Tours can only be booked for private groups or parties. There are no standard tours to join.
Popular private guided tours Hoorn
Highlight tour Hoorn
During the Highlight tour I will take you along the Highlights of the city such as: the Main Tower, the Statenlogement, the Roode Steen, De Oude Waegh, the Bossu Houses and much more. We will visit the most important ...more info
Dutch golden age tour
The Dutch Golden Age tour takes us past the beautiful monuments of this time (1602 – 1702). Many stories from the VOC era and the 80 year war are told. During this walk it becomes clear that Hoorn soon benefited from ...more info
Meet the local tour
Foreign guests appreciate the special ‘Meet The Local Tour’. A combination of the beautiful places in Hoorn, some history, a visit to an ordinary Dutch house and details about Dutch daily life. This tour will suprise you ...more info
Harbour tour Hoorn
During the Harbour Walk in Hoorn we pass five different harbours of Hoorn. We see some of the most important monuments of the city. During the walk you will discover that the current structure of the harbours originated from the beginning of the 17th century. ....more info
Bike tour Hoorn
Especially for foreign guests I developed some great bike tours. The bike tours takes us through Hoorn and a few beautiful villages in the immediate vicinity. We pass a classic Dutch windmill, a historic Dutch dike and in spring we pass extensive tulip fields. ....more info
Amsterdam countryside
The largest monument from the Dutch Golden Age is located between Hoorn and Amsterdam. This fascinating polder landscape (Unesco World Heritage) with its many dikes, windmills and historic villages got its current appearance in the 17th century ....more info
Family friendly tour with treasure hunt
The family friendly tour Hoorn is fun for children and parents. This tour takes us past the most important monuments and a whole collection of beautiful unicorns. While the children go in search of unicorns, I tell the stories about the city.
Click for more information!
Rated with five stars
Sights to see in Hoorn
Maria Tower
This tower was built in 1508 as a defensive tower and gunpowder storage. The tower still stands proudly on the old city wall. In its long history the tower has had many different functions. She has served as an ice cellar, studio and since 2015 it is transformed into a bed & breakfast.
Oostereiland
The Oostereiland is one of my favorite sights in Hoorn. When I take a walk around the city myself, I almost always walk around the Oostereiland. The light, the sky, the wind, the sturdy buildings and the view make this place more than worthwhile in both good and bad weather!
Statencollege
The Statencollege is a 17th-century building which was used by the government of the area above Amsterdam. Before 1631 this was the site of the house of the provost, the local representative of the bishop of Utrecht, one of the first stone houses in Hoorn.
Information about Hoorn, the Netherlands
Where to stay
Where to stay in Hoorn? Many guests from abroad ask me for advice on the best places to spend the night. I have listed a number of special places and real recommendations: my personal top 5 'where to stay in Hoorn' ....read more
Where to eat
Where to eat in Hoorn is quite a tricky question. There is more than enough choice for a drink, lunch and dinner. Which restaurant will suit you best depends on your personal preferences. To help you around I have made a list ....read more
What to do
Hoorn is a versatile historical city where you can do many different things. In addition to a guided tour, there are various activities that you can do on your own. I have made an overview of things you should definitely consider ....read more
Close to Hoorn
Hoorn has excellent direct train connections with Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam and a number of beautiful historic cities. With Hoorn as your base in the Netherlands, you have all the advantages of metropolis Amsterdam, but you also enjoy the relative peace, friendliness and affordable prices of a provincial city.
Schiphol - Hoorn: 45 min.
If you are traveling from Schiphol Airport it is best to take the train to Hoorn. Every hour 4 trains leave for Hoorn, two of them with a direct train connection of only 45 minutes.
Amsterdam - Hoorn: 31 min.
By train from Hoorn you can reach the historic centre of Amsterdam within 31 minutes. The last train back to Hoorn leaves at night at 00.23 hours.
Alkmaar - Hoorn: 23 min.
Alkmaar - Hoorn is just 23 minutes by train! Alkmaar has a beautiful historic center and from April to September there is a cheese market every Friday morning.
How to get to Hoorn
By Train
From Amsterdam it is only 32 minutes by train to Hoorn. The train station of Hoorn center is only a 3 minute walk away from the historic center and a single ticket from Amsterdam to Hoorn costs approximately 9.
By Bus
The bus from Amsterdam to Hoorn takes you along other historical towns such as Monnickendam and Edam. The trip takes about 56 minutes and a single tickt by bus costs about 7 euros. From the bus station you can walk straight into the historic center of Hoorn.
By Car
Hoorn is located along the A7 freeway and is very easily accessible by car. The following parking lots are conveniently located: (1) Parking garage Schouwburg Het Park, (2) Parking lot de Nieuwe Wal and (3) Parking lot Pelmolenpad.
Latest blogs from Local Guide Alette
Archaeological excavations
Archaeological excavations in the historical centre of Hoorn have yielded special finds. During the excavations waste from tanneries, potters, … read more about Archaeological excavations
Typical Dutch: bike tour Hoorn
'It is so typical Dutch'.... is what I hear a lot! Look right, look left.... Look right, look left again....beware, they come from all sides, keep … read more about Typical Dutch: bike tour Hoorn