Het Stenen Hoofd

Image from Koen Smilde

Dating from 1902, this former harbour pier is now a popular park overlooking the river IJ on the edge of Houthavens. The then-vacant lot has been earmarked for everything from luxury residential towers to a prison, even a heliport since the pier was excavated in the 1970s. Today, it’s a popular spot for dog owners, sunbakers in the summer and hosts various cultural events throughout the year. It’s also home to a number of protected wall plants the somewhat rare Saxon fern.