The Dreamiest Day Trip in the Netherlands: Hoorn’s Annual Weavers Market

Did you now there’s a market in the Netherlands where yarn, fleece, and felt practically take over the whole city? We found out about it after chatting with the owner of our favorite yarn shop in Haarlem, and just like that, Hoorn’s Weversmarkt (Weavers Market) became a must see.

Ever year, Hoorn, a harborside town in the Netherlands, hosts this fiber-lover’s paradise. Cobbled streets burst with skeins in every imaginable hue, looms clack softly in the sun, seamstresses show off their sewing techniques and everyone is sharing ideas. If you’ve ever swooned at the sight of sock yarn or considered learning to spin “just for fun”, this is your kind of day trip in the Netherlands.

Weversmarkt (Weavers Market), Hoorn, Netherlands

Don’t miss the Hoorn Weavers Market. It’s colorful and fun for all ages and the perfect excuse to visit Hoorn:

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A Little History of Hoorn

Hoorn once helped shape the world. This harborside gem earned its city rights in 1357, and by the Dutch Golden Age, it was a booming port, home to one of the six chambers of the powerful Dutch East India Company (VOC). Ships left from here to explore and trade across Asia, returning with spices, silks, and global influence.

Famous explorers called Hoorn home, including Willem Schouten, who named Cape Horn after his hometown when he rounded the tip of South America in 1616. Another son of the city, Jan Pieterszoon Coen, helped establish Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) as the VOC’s Eastern hub.

By the late 18th century, Hoorn’s star had faded. Amsterdam had taken the maritime crown, and Hoorn shifted to become a regional trade center, serving surrounding villages with dairy and goods. When the Afsluitdijk closed off the Zuiderzee in 1932, Hoorn lost its access to the sea altogether.

Fast forward to the post-war years, and Hoorn found new life again. Designated a “growth city” in the 1970s, it welcomed thousands of families from Amsterdam seeking space and sunshine. Today, Hoorn blends modern living with maritime charm, where history is part of the backdrop, and the past still peeks out at every corner.

What To Expect At The Colorful Hoorn Weavers Market

We arrived mid-morning and easily spotted the stalls set up a bit outside of the Hoorn train station. The main streets were lined with vendors selling everything from spinning batts and embroidery kits to dyed wool, alpaca, and everything else in sherbet shades. Need the finishing details? Whole shops were set up just devoted to buttons!

Quick Tip: The market is held annually in July, mark your calendar to check a bit earlier to see when it is!

There were weavers, of course, this is the Hoorn Weavers Market after all, but there were seamstresses, crocheters, felters, spinners, dyers, and all kinds of materials and products for any and all interests. We paused at just about every stall enjoying the whimsical colors, the “unicorn” braids, and all of the creations that were put out.

It’s not only perfect for purchasing everything you need, but the Weavers Market provides a ton of inspiration and knowledgeable hobbyists and creators willing to share ideas and thoughts. On top of that, the vendors are so friendly, talking with kids like mine who are just starting their crocheting hobby, explaining what size tools to use and what yarn is best for different projects.

Quick Tip: More into felting or basket weaving? You’ll find plenty of supplies here too! Just bring a tote… or two to take everything home with you!

The experience was extremely tactile. Everyone, including my daughter, was running their fingers over yarn, asking about fiber blends, exchanging ideas. I felt like I’d stepped into a secret creative society I never knew I needed to be part of. Actually, there was even a seamstresses society that did invite us to join!

Don’t Skip The City: What To See In Hoorn

After following the stalls into the center of Hoorn, we took a break to admire the buildings in the historic center. I highly recommend it. Hoorn is packed with charm, history, and some beautiful architecture. Here are some other things to see in Hoorn around the Weavers Market.

Roode Steen

Every Dutch town has a central square, and Hoorn’s is Roode Steen. Surrounded by centuries-old buildings, this cobblestone plaza is the space to take a breath from the bustling market. The restaurants all around the market stalls were packed, but the spots down around Roode Steen had much more availability, so keep walking here, if anything, for an easy to find seat.

De Waag

Right on Roode Steen, you’ll find the Weighhouse (De Waag), built in 1609, was once a weigh house for traders back in the VOC days. These days it’s a cozy cafe, but if you peek inside, you’ll still catch a glimpse of its 17th century grandeur.

After peeking inside, take a seat at one of the tables outside. The square is also a perfect place for people-watching, especially if you grab a seat at Restaurant De Oude Waegh. Sit outside, sip something warm, and watch Hoorn go by.

Address: Roode Steen 8, 1621 CV Hoorn
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 8:00am ~ 12:00am; Friday – Saturday: 8:00am ~ 2:00am

Have kids? Or just want some whimsical fun? Keep your eyes peeled for the unicorns! From gable stones and statues and on signposts, you can spot unicorns. How fun is that? You can see some of them above, if you look closely.

Westfries Museum

If you only admire one building from the outside while in Hoorn, make it the Westfries Museum. It’s one of the most beautifully preserved structures in the city and dates back to 1632.

The museum is currently closed for restoration, but inside, there are exhibitions on West Friesland’s regional history and Hoorn’s role in the Dutch Golden Age, including its VOC legacy. Even if you visit while it’s still closed, take the time to stand in front and gaze up. It made all of us stop in our tracks.

Address: Roode Steen 1, 1621 CV, Hoorn
Website: https://westfriesmuseum.nl/

Grote Kerk / The Saint

There’s just something about how churches in the Netherlands are being regenerated into spaces that people still want to use. If I hear about one, I have to stop and see it. In Hoorn, the Grote Kerk, or Great Church, has been transformed into a four-star boutique hotel called Heavens Hotel, and its in-house restaurant, The Saint, is something special.

Soaring ceilings, plush seating nooks, all inside a former house of worship.

Address: Grote Kerk 33, 1621 ET Hoorn
Website: https://www.heavenshotelhoorn.com/

Hoorn is a beautiful little village to visit in the Netherlands, a perfect day trip from Amsterdan, and the best weekend to visit? Absolutely when the Weavers Market is underway!

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