THE NETHERLANDS - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 417

Although the Zuider Zee has been landlocked since the strait to the North Sea
was sealed off in May 1932, Hoorn has managed to maintain its status of a port by
establishing four harbor areas with more than 1,100 moorings for commercial and
recreational watercraft. The pursuit of water sports, including sailboarding and wa-
terskiing, may be observed—or participated in—throughout the season in Hoorn.
Amsterdam—Hoorn
Daily departures from Amsterdam Centraal Station at 9 and 39 minutes after the
hour throughout the day beginning at 0709; last train at 2339; journey time: 42
minutes.
Daily departures from Hoorn Station at 20 and 50 minutes after the hour throughout
the day, last train at 2350; journey time: 40 minutes.
Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Steam-engine buffs will find interest in Hoorn, too. You can travel on a genuine
steam train from Hoorn to Medemblik and back in old-fashioned coaches. The
Netherlands Railways operates a day excursion, “Historical Triangle,” during
spring, summer, and fall. Starting either in Hoorn or Enkhuizen, a steam train plies
between Hoorn and Medemblik and a boat between Medemblik and Enkhuizen.
The VVV office in Amsterdam or the train information office in Amsterdam's Cen-
traal Station can provide details for this triangle trip. Information for finding Rode
Steen Square, as well as the departure point and tickets for the steam train to Me-
demblik, is also available in the Hoorn railway station.
On Wednesday you'll find the market area merely by following the crowd. At oth-
er times, follow the directions to the VVV tourist office (aforementioned).
Day excursions by train to Hoorn are popular trips out of Amsterdam in the sum-
mer. Local trains bear special markings (on Wednesday) from July through August,
when the market is staged. Take these trains for a festive mood; but regular train
service between Amsterdam and Hoorn runs about every half hour throughout the
day, so you have the option of going and returning whenever you feel like it.
The steam train operates every day except Monday from April through the end
of October; so Hoorn stages this market plus many other attractions on days other
than Wednesday. In fact, the steam train continues to operate through September
and October from Tuesday through Sunday. Visit www.museumstoomtram.nl .