Hoorn (Netherlands North Holland)

Hoorn is a port town in The Netherlands's North Holland province, with total area approx 53 km2 (21 mi2) and population around 75,000.

Hoorn is located on lake Markermeer, 35 km (22 mi) north of Amsterdam. It received city rights in 1357. The municipality consists of Blokker, Hoorn, Zwaag, parts of De Hulk and Bangert.

South America's most southerly point, Cape Horn, was named after this town by the Dutch navigator Willem Schouten (1567-1625), who rounded it in 1616. Hoorn Islands (Wallis and Futuna) are also named after the town.

The town name's origin is surrounded by myths. According to Old Frisian legends, Hoorn's name is derived from King Redbad's stepson Hornus. According to a 2nd version, the town's name was derived from the shape of horn of one of its first ports. 

Established in 716, Hoorn port quickly grew to become an important harbor town. During the "Golden Century" (17th century's Dutch Golden Age), Hoorn was a major naval base for the Dutch East India Company and a prosperous trade center. The fleet of Hoorn plied the seven seas and returned with precious commodities.

The town is linked with Holland's railway network, having 2 train stations: Hoorn Kersenboogerd and Hoorn. It is also the starting point of the historical railway between Medemblik and Hoorn.