A spring day out: board a restored heritage steam train between Hoorn and Medemblik and roll past the West Friesland tulip fields. Listen to the steam whistle, watch the Dutch countryside unfold, and enjoy a relaxed journey past flower fields, farms and historic villages. The day is built around the train timetable, with the flower fields and an old harbour town either side. Lovely with children.
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The journey begins with a slow departure into the scenic Dutch landscape, passing open farmland and seasonal flower fields along the route.
As the train moves north, grassy meadows, sleepy villages, and vast flower fields appear on either side. As the location of tulip fields varies each year, every ride feels fresh and unique.
The train passes several historic stations and makes a stop at Wognum station, which is a small museum. As you approach Medemblik, look out for a 300-year-old working windmill beside the tracks, still grinding corn today.
In Medemblik, you have free time to walk around the harbour, enjoy local cafés, or wander through the historic streets before reboarding the steam train back to Hoorn.
In Hoorn your private guide takes you on a walking tour through this Dutch Golden Age trading city. Discover narrow lanes, historic façades, and lively market squares that reflect the wealth and culture of 17th century Netherlands.
See Hoorn’s picturesque harbour, charming swing bridges, and historic cobbled streets, as your guide brings to life the city’s maritime past and its role in Dutch trading history.
On the journey back, you may pass additional tulip fields, giving extra views of the Dutch spring countryside.
This tour is available all year round; however, the tulips are only present in Spring (mid March to early-May)
To see whether the West-Friesland fields will be out while you are here, check our tulip bloom calendar. Free cancellation up to 7 days before the tour, minus any non-refundable tickets, in writing, under our terms and conditions.
Yes, and it is one of the better days out with children. The historic steam train between Hoorn and Medemblik runs on a fixed timetable, so the day is built around the departure rather than the other way round, with the tulip fields and the old harbour town either side of it.
The tulips depend on the season. Check what will be in flower on your dates with our tulip and seasonal flower calendar.
Hoorn is about 40 minutes from Amsterdam by car. This full-day private day trip from Amsterdam includes a heritage steam train ride through the spring tulip fields, travelling door to door.
The day combines a nostalgic heritage steam train ride, the colourful spring tulip fields, and time in the historic harbour town of Hoorn with its Golden Age architecture.
The tulip fields are at their best from late March to early May, which is when the steam train and blooms combine most beautifully. Hoorn is a delight to visit at any time of year.
Yes. As a private tour, we shape the day around what you enjoy, whether that is the trains, the tulips or the historic town.
Yes. Every tour we run is private, so it can be built around limited mobility rather than squeezed into it. Tell us what you need when you book and we will plan the route, the pace and the stops around it: the car closer to each stop, shorter walking stretches, seated breaks, and step-free alternatives where they exist. Wheelchairs, walkers and prams are all fine. Where a particular site is genuinely not accessible we will say so before you book rather than let you find out on the day.
Experience the Netherlands’ iconic spring landscapes in a way most travellers miss: by historic steam train through tulip fields and into a Golden Age trading town. Having a private guide means the day is paced for you, with insights into Dutch railway heritage and Hoorn’s maritime past.
Includes both an immersive steam train journey and a guided walking tour in Hoorn, giving variety and depth to your day. Seasonal tulip fields make this tour especially beautiful in spring, with vibrant colours and classic Dutch scenery.
What Is Included in This Private Tour?
Easy full day
Travel time from Amsterdam: about 40 minutes to Hoorn each way.
The drive to Hoorn is short, so the day is about the historic steam train and the countryside rather than the road.
Practical info
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Find out more about how we plan your private tour.
Tulip season typically runs from late March to early May, with peak blooming in the tulip fields varying each year. The tour itinerary is planned based on current growing conditions.
You will ride a restored historic steam train through the countryside, offering a nostalgic and scenic experience. The journey adds a unique element to the tour, and the ticket is included in the price.
The tour usually lasts a full day (8 hours), depending on travel time and the steam train schedule. The pace is comfortable and unhurried and includes a walking tour in Hoorn
Yes, private transportation with hotel or terminal pickup and drop-off is included with this tour. This ensures smooth travel between locations and a flexible schedule.
Yes, the tour is suitable for families, and children often enjoy the steam train ride. The day is paced to allow breaks as needed.
Still deciding?
We’ll help you choose, or shape one around you.
