Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wednesdays during the summer are, of course, the times of high activity in
Hoorn, but you may go there anytime throughout the year and spend an enjoyable
day in this ancient town on the Ysselmeer, a freshwater lake that was once part
of the Zuider Zee. It is one of Holland's loveliest cities. As an important 14th-cen-
tury fishing harbor, it grew in stature until the 17th-century East Indies trade made
it rich. The warehouses and mansions of the East India merchants that still line its
streets make exploring the town on foot a sheer delight. You can obtain a street
map with a recommended walking tour from either the VVV office or the ticket office
in the railway station.
At Rode Steen Square you may inspect the 17th-century Weigh House and the
Westfries Museum, which houses a collection of antiques, paintings, and objects
associated with the city and its surroundings. The museum is crammed with beau-
tiful paintings of Hoorn's citizen soldiers and other memories of Hoorn's “golden
age” during the 17th century.
Stop at the 15th-century calligrapher's workshop. Here is where Hoorn's wealthy
merchants had their contracts and correspondence penned prior to the invention
of the printing press later in the century.
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