Are you a railway enthusiast?
Then the Steam Train Hoorn – Medemblik line is a rare opportunity to experience an authentic 19th-century Dutch steam train.
It’s not just a tourist train, this is what makes it so special:
This steam train runs on its original 1887 trackbed with original materials.
This preserved heritage railway operates as a nationally-designated museum.
Train are meticulously preserved and volunteers love to tell you all about them.
Did you know?
The famous “Bello” locomotive from 1914 still runs the line. It’s the only preserved light steam engine in the Netherlands.
Picture this…
You’re sitting back in an old 1920s train carriage, watching steam puff past your window while Dutch farms and villages go by. It’s a great way to explore the country outside of Amsterdam.
Grab a Dutch snack from the train’s café car.
(I highly recommend ordering a portion Poffertjes, these small pancakes with butter and powdered sugar are delicious)
Before you reach Medemblik – a lovely old harbor town that most tourists never get to see.
The journey takes you from Hoorn to Medemblik.
If you’re looking for an authentic Dutch experience, away from foreign tourists, then this experience should be on your list.
It’s fantastic to experience how these volunteers bring railway heritage to life.
In Hoorn, before you depart you can explore the historic tram station, see the working signal box, and visit the Bello Atelier where restorations take place.
The attention to detail is impressive.
Each carriage has been restored to its 1926 appearance, right down to the original upholstery patterns.
The Steam Train Hoorn represents the Netherlands’ most complete collection of functioning historic railway equipment.
However, the train ride is not all.
From Steam Train Hoorn to Steam Boat
You can continue your journey on a historic steam boat.
The steamboat “Friesland” departs from Medemblik to Enkhuizen.
It connects with enough time in Medemblik to the steam train, creating a perfect day exploring some of Holland’s steam heritage.
You can buy this trip as a package.
(make sure to visit the Bakery Museum in Medemblik before you board the boat).
Once you get to Enkhuizen you can visit the beautiful and well-known Open Air Museum.
Before you hop on a direct train back to Amsterdam, I recommend you end the day with a great dinner in the historic city center of Enkhuizen.
At least that is what I would do.
