Some experiences in the Netherlands feel like stepping into a moving postcard. The steam tram from Hoorn to Medemblik is one of them.

This is not a typical museum visit where you walk through rooms and read signs. The main attraction is the journey itself. You board a historic steam tram in Hoorn and travel slowly through the countryside all the way to Medemblik, then back again. During my visit, tulip fields were blooming along the route, which made the experience even more special.

The tram runs at a gentle pace, allowing you to truly see the landscape change outside the window. At one point, the tram even stops so passengers can step outside and take photos with the tulip fields in the background. It feels unhurried and thoughtful, something that is becoming rare.

Your ticket includes more than just the ride. You can visit the tram museum in Hoorn before or after the journey, and along the route there is a stop at one of the historic stations where you can walk around and explore. The staff are dressed in period clothing from the late 1800s, which adds to the atmosphere without feeling forced.

Inside the tram, you can buy classic treats like apple pie and poffertjes, served while the countryside rolls by. Yes, it is touristic, but in a charming way. It feels carefully preserved rather than staged, and there is a genuine love for history behind it.

What I enjoyed most was how calm the experience felt. The slow movement, the sound of the steam, the open views of fields and small villages. It is a beautiful way to spend a few hours, especially in spring when the landscape is at its best.

If you are visiting the Netherlands and want something different from the usual city stops, the steam tram from Hoorn to Medemblik is worth considering. It combines history, scenery, and a sense of nostalgia in a way that feels both simple and memorable.

If you have questions about planning this trip or when it is best to go, feel free to ask.

Until next time in Amsterdam,

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam