Hoorn, Maritime trading port in North Holland, Netherlands.
Description
Hoorn is a town on the shore of the Markermeer in North Holland that has kept its past as a trading harbor visible in its streets and squares. Houses with stepped gables stand beside canals where ships once arrived from distant parts of the world, and the central market square still carries the feel of a time when merchants and captains gathered here.
History
In the seventeenth century, the town became a major base for the East India Company, which sent ships to Asia and back from here. The wealth from sea trade brought merchants who built large houses and gave the town a character that remains recognizable today.
Culture
The harbor area preserves the memory of seafaring families who once lived here, with narrow lanes leading to warehouses where goods from distant lands were stored. Local markets and cafés occupy the ground floors of buildings that once belonged to traders, and visitors can see how commerce shaped daily life in this part of the Netherlands.
Practical
The train station connects the town to Amsterdam and other places in the region, with trains running regularly throughout the day. In the harbor area there are piers for boats that go out on the Markermeer, and walks along the water are possible in any weather.
Did you know?
The name Cape Horn at the southern end of South America comes from this town, as the navigator Willem Schouten was from here and named the headland after his home. This link between a small Dutch harbor town and one of the most dangerous points of sailing around the world remains a surprise for many visitors.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (North Holland).
Statue of Jan Pieterszoon Coen
1.8 km
Steamtrain Hoorn Medemblik
1.5 km
Westfries Museum
1.9 km
Hoofdtoren
2 km
Oostereiland
2.2 km
Grote Kerk, Hoorn
1.7 km
Waag
1.8 km
Schouwburg Het Park
2 km
Koepelkerk, Hoorn
1.8 km
Grote Oost 58, Hoorn
1.7 km
Oosterpoort
1.4 km
Museum van de 20ste Eeuw, Hoorn
1.9 km
OSG West-Friesland
1.1 km
Bossuhuizen
1.5 km
Het Schooltje van Dik Trom
8.6 km
De Westfries
2.2 km
Foreestenhuis
1.7 km
Oosterkerk
1.7 km
Statenlogement
1.6 km
Noorderkerk, Hoorn
1.7 km
Maria- of Kruittoren
1.4 km
City Hall, Hoorn, the Netherlands
745 m
Bonck House
1.7 km
Ramen 31
1.6 km
H.H. Engelbewaarderskerk, Hoorn
1 km
Poppodium Manifesto
314 m
Mariakapel (Hoorn)
1.6 km
Julianapark
1.6 km
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes