Hoofdtoren

North Holland


Overshadowing surrounding historic buildings, the massive defensive gate Hoofdtoren (1532), topped by a tiny belfry, now houses an atmospheric restaurant.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby North Holland attractions

1. Museum van de Twintigste Eeuw

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In the vast former prison on Oostereiland, south of the Hoofdtoren, this entertaining museum is devoted to household goods and modern inventions. Among…

2. Westfries Museum

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Housed in the former seat of the Staten-College (States' Council), the body that once governed seven towns in Noord-Holland, this absorbing museum has a…

3. Rode Steen

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4. Grote Kerk

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5. Kaasmarkt

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6. Kaaswaag

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7. Edams Museum

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8. Gestam

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Sample 30 different cheeses at the wonderful and barely commercial Gestam, a warehouse for regional producers established in 1916.