By steam train and bicycle, along the "historic triangle" of Holland

On board a nineteenth-century steam train, by sea or by bike: discovering three pearls that preserve the historical features of the Dutch Golden Age

Source: 123rf

How fascinating train journeys can be! In the'Holland in the Golden Age, for example, you travel on a nineteenth-century steam train from Hoorn to Medemblick, up to Enkhuize.

In Holland the history of the is still particularly tangible Golden Age. Specifically, it is possible to find large traces of it at Hoorn, Enkhuizen e Medemblick. The atmosphere is alive in the museums, hotels and, obviously, in the monuments. These three towns north of Amsterdam, easily reachable, can be explored in a single day, easily passing from one center to another.

It is obviously possible to rent a car, to go from one place to another. In this way, however, there would be a risk of seeing the historical atmosphere that each of these towns passionately preserves disappear. To increase this effect, also enjoying it during passing itineraries, it is possible to go up aboard a real historic steam train.

The path leads through what is called the “historical triangle”. A journey through time through these three pearls of Holland. The starting point is a railway dating back to 1887, from which you can choose between 3 different itineraries, with various departure and arrival options. At Hoorn it is possible to visit control cabins and splendid locomotives, taking part in the spectacular exhibition dedicated to the steam train. Once on board, you will pass through numerous stations, enjoying the view from the windows. You will go from Wognum to Twisk, until you reach Opperdoes and finally Medemblick. A route from Hoorn to Enkhuizen is also planned.

It is possible to plan these trips by conveniently purchasing steam train tickets online. If you instead decide to go to the location and then decide which route to take, the Train Museum offers all the necessary information, in addition obviously to the sale of coupons. It is also possible to take advantage of the catering service, present at the stations and on the train, with the Hoorn stop, from which to depart and return, which offers a large car park for the prolonged parking of your rented vehicle.

However, the train is not the only alternative available. Moving by sea, from pier to pier, is an equally romantic and popular possibility. The more sporty ones, on the other hand, will certainly have company along the road routes, riding their bikes.

Hoorn is the ideal place for tourists who like to relax and go shopping. There are many cafes with tables, to enjoy a dream atmosphere. Those who love nature can also try their hand at discovering the dunes and beaches in the surrounding area, perhaps practicing some of the water sports offered. Medemblick is a particularly picturesque town, which boasts numerous historic homes, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Added to these are various buildings of great value, from churches to Radbound Castle. You can also visit a working windmill. Enkhuizen, on the other hand, is known for being one of the richest cities in Holland during the 17th century. Member of the Dutch East India Company, gained a lot of power and its rich history is still visible today in the heart of the city centre.