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Stepping Back in Time: A Friend’s Guide to the Charms of Hoorn, Zwaag, and Enkhuizen


Table of Contents > North Holland > Hoorn, Zwaag, and Enkhuizen


Photo by Ries Bosch on Unsplash

Hoorn, Zwaag, and Enkhuizen, picturesque harbor towns by the IJsselmeer, are true hidden gems of the Netherlands. With its rich maritime history, stunning architecture, and welcoming atmosphere, the vicinity’s vibrant heritage comes alive at every corner. I’m excited to share my favorite recommendations to help you uncover the alluring charms of this area.

  • Museum of Stream Trains (Museum Stoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik)
    A nostalgic journey through the age of steam trains.
    Address: Van Dedemstraat 8, 1624 NN Hoorn
    Details on: http://www.stoomtram.nl/

  • Museum of the 20th Century (Museum van de Twintigste Eeuw)
    A walk down memory lane filled with 20th-century treasures.
    Address: Krententuin 24 (Park here), Nieuwe Wal, 1621 DG Hoorn
    Details: https://www.museumhoorn.nl/

  • Westfries Museum
    Discover the Golden Age with a fascinating collection of art and artifacts.
    Address: Roode Steen 1, 1621 CV Hoorn
    Details: https://westfriesmuseum.nl/

  • Hoofdtoren Hoorn (1532–1534)
    A towering symbol of Hoorn’s maritime prowess. (FREE)
    Address: Hoofd 23, 1621 BH Hoorn

  • Heritage Sailing Center Hoorn (Centrum Varend Erfgoed Hoorn)
    Preserving and showcasing floating heritage.
    Address: Schuijteskade 22, 1621 DE Hoorn
    Details: https://www.varenderfgoedhoorn.nl/

  • Museumhuis Bonck — Specialty Museums
    A Timeless Treasure in Hoorn’s Historic Harbor. Step inside and experience life in the 17th century.
    👉 Click here to read an article on this specialty museum. 👈 
    This article also explains how you can rent the first floor for your holiday stay.
    Address: Binnenluiendijk 3, 1621 ME Hoorn
    Details: https://www.hendrickdekeyser.nl/museumbezoek/huis-bonck-Hoorn

  • Koepelkerk
    A beautiful monument with a characteristic dome.
    Address: Grote Noord 15, 1621 KD Hoorn

  • Rijksmonument Oosterpoort Hoorn (1578) 
    A glimpse into Hoorn’s past at the city’s eastern gate. (FREE)
    Address: Oosterpoort 1, 1621 GZ Hoorn

  • Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC) Hoorn 
    Address: Muntstraat 4, 1621 GB Hoorn (landmark building)

  • Foundation Affichemuseum Netherlands (Affiche Museum)
    A captivating collection of posters and advertisements.
    Address: Grote Oost 2–4, 1621 BW Hoorn
    Details: http://www.affichemuseum.nl/

  • Scheepsjongens van Bontekoe Statue
    A salute to the brave sailors of the past. (FREE)
    Address: Turfhaven, 1621 HE Hoorn (nearby Hoofd 17–3, 1621 AM Hoorn)

  • Small Lighthouse 
    Address: Schuijteskade 22, 1621 DE Hoorn (FREE)

  • Sprookjeswonderland / Fairytale Wonderland 
    Embrace the Magic of “Sprookjeswonderland”, a Fairytale Theme Park in Enkhuizen
    👉 Click here to read an article about his theme park. 👈 
    Address: Kooizandweg 9, 1601 LK Enkhuizen

Keep in mind to check the opening hours and admission fees before visiting, and above all, enjoy your time soaking up Hoorn’s enchanting atmosphere.

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