Museumstoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik

About the museum

The Museumstoomtram commemorates the many steam tramways that served mainly sparsely populated rural areas of the Netherlands between 1879 and 1966. The reference year for vehicles and fittings is 1926. Trains run on the roughly 20-kilometer local railway from Hoorn to Medemblik, opened in 1887, which with its station buildings is considered the most completely preserved local railway in the country.

The first museum rides took place on May 23, 1968, at the former freight yard in Hoorn. Since then a museum and excursion operation has developed, now run by around 250 volunteers and a small permanent team. Since 1987 the museum has had its own station building in Hoorn, extended in 2015 in the style of the former tram station in Coevorden. The working signal box from 1897 comes from Kesteren; the workshop uses a railcar shed from 1929 and, since 2023, a new building.

Along the line, the restored stations of Wognum-Nibbixwoud, Twisk, Opperdoes, Abbekerk and Medemblik belong to the museum. The collection includes eight operational steam locomotives, among them the “Bello” (NS 6513) from 1887, the oldest steam locomotive still running in the Netherlands, and several typical box-shaped tram locomotives, as well as passenger and freight cars, signals and documents. Together with the 1956 motor vessel Friesland, which crosses the IJsselmeer to Enkhuizen, the railway forms the “Historische Driehoek” (Historic Triangle) Hoorn–Medemblik–Enkhuizen.

Highlights

• Steam locomotive “Bello” (NS 6513) from 1887, the oldest operating steam locomotive in the Netherlands
• Local railway from 1887 with original stations in Wognum, Twisk and Opperdoes
• Working signal box from 1897 from Kesteren
• De Tijdlijn exhibition and locomotive depot at the Hoorn tram station
• Combination with the museum ship Friesland across the IJsselmeer to Enkhuizen
• Free Stoomsafari case with a scavenger hunt for children

Permanent exhibitions

• De Tijdlijn – Small objects, films, photos and documents on the history of the steam tram in the Netherlands, plus an interactive map of former tram lines.
• Museumroute: Bello Atelier en Locomotievendepot – Route around the museum grounds in Hoorn with views into the workshop, where locomotives are maintained and cars restored, and into the locomotive depot.

Founded

1968

Operated by

Stichting Museumstoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik (Betrieb: B.V. Exploitatiemaatschappij Museumstoomtram)

Admission & discounts

2026 fares; regular price = single trip Hoorn–Wognum or Wognum–Medemblik (€10.50), round trip Hoorn–Medemblik €29.50. Free with the Museumkaart and the VriendenLoterij VIP card (register your card at the counter in Hoorn or Medemblik or on board; the Museumkaart is not sold). Surcharges for special trips, events, packages and e-tickets. A separate ticket is required for the NS train between Enkhuizen and Hoorn.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The steam tram has only limited accessibility: wheelchairs can only be taken along folded, and passengers must manage three steps on their own. The museum ship Friesland has a stair lift. Dogs (on a leash) are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Children receive the Stoomsafari case with a scavenger hunt for the trip free of charge. In the SpoorTuin in Hoorn they learn about rails, switches and signals through play (supervised on some days). Family events such as the Bello Festival, Pieten Expres and Kerst Expres. Strollers can be taken along, but the frame only folded; a buggy is recommended. Children may go out on the open platforms when accompanied.

Getting there & parking

A7 exit 8, follow signs for P+R Hoorn; GPS: Van Dedemstraat 8, Hoorn. NS trains run every half hour between Enkhuizen and Hoorn (about 20 minutes). Bicycles can be taken along for a surcharge.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Historic station restaurant in the Hoorn tram station and food and drink in Wognum and Medemblik; buffet car 501 on the trams departing Hoorn at 10:40 and Medemblik at 13:20 (poffertjes), snacks on board the MS Friesland. Lunch packs and coffee with pastries can be pre-ordered online. Museum shop in Hoorn. No smoking anywhere on the grounds, in the trams or on the ship.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The steam tram or the museum ship can be chartered, for example for receptions, company or family celebrations; customized packages.

Plan your visit