The Hoofdtoren is the 17th-century harbour tower that has been the symbol of Hoorn for four centuries. Built in 1532 (the current tower dates from 1623), it stands at the entrance to the old inner harbour, its stepped gable and clock tower reflected in the water. It was built both as a navigational landmark for ships entering the harbour and as a defensive structure.
The tower houses a small restaurant at water level and can be seen from most of the harbour area. At dusk it photographs beautifully. The inner harbour area around it, with its historic ships moored along the quay, is the most atmospheric part of Hoorn and worth spending time wandering.