In Den Helder, you can make maritime history and experiences in nature the focus of your trip in different ways. Forts, museums and historic ships sit alongside walking trails through the dunes; beaches and water activities are also among the options. When planning, it’s worth comparing your specific interests and route lengths rather than trying to squeeze every visit into a fixed daily schedule.

Naval History and Historic Ships

Fort Kijkduin was built in 1811 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte because of its strategic location. Today, the fort houses a North Sea aquarium with sharks, rays and other marine animals from the North Sea. At the Marinemuseum Den Helder, uniforms, weapons and stories of historic naval heroes offer insights into the history of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Visitors can also go aboard the Tonijn submarine and look through its periscope.

Willemsoord also tells the story of the navy: the former shipbuilding and maintenance yard is now a lively, protected historic district. The Museumhaven is home to a free open-air museum featuring historic working vessels, classic sailing ships and old lifeboats. A guided tour of Willemsoord takes about two hours. The town’s history also includes the Atlantic Wall fortifications: they were built at 37 different locations and comprised a total of 88 heavy bunkers, some of which are still visible.

The Nationaal Reddingmuseum Dorus Rijkers combines the history of sea rescue with a range of visitor experiences. You can take a boat tour of the inner harbor aboard historic lifeboats or head out to sea in a group. Availability of the boat tours may vary depending on the season and operating conditions. The museum also offers a VR experience, a wind turbine activity, a navigation game and maritime heritage vessels.

Walking Trails, Dunes and Art

There are routes of various lengths for walking. Several trails in the Helderse Duinen start at the De Helderse Vallei visitor center and range from 2.1 to 12.1 kilometers. Another walking route is 23 kilometers long and also starts and ends at the visitor center. The different distances give you a clear idea of how long your walk will be. Free cycling and walking routes, as well as treasure hunts for the surrounding area, are also available there. The permanent exhibition presents habitats ranging from dunes and beach to the Wadden area, the Stelling, marshes and woodland.

You can explore the area around Fort Kijkduin on foot or by bike; it features dunes, bunkers and views over the sea. De Nollen offers another combination of nature and culture: this site in Den Helder brings together a sculpture garden and landscape art. Steel structures, bunkers, paintings, landscape, horses and ponies combine to form a single work of art. Visits always take place with a guide.

Julianadorp lies between extensive flower fields and offers direct access to sandy beaches. At Paal 6 in Julianadorp, Surfschool High5 offers surf lessons, surfboard and wetsuit rentals, and stand-up paddleboarding. Availability and operation of the activities may vary with the weather and season. Den Helder and Julianadorp also have four canoe routes ranging from 4 to 18 kilometers; canoes can be rented at several locations. Cycling, walking and sailing routes in Den Helder and Julianadorp pass forts and bunkers, Willemsoord, the dunes and the sea dike.

Getting Here and Planning Your Stay

Den Helder can be reached by train, bus or bicycle. An intercity train to Amsterdam departs from the station every 30 minutes; its final stop is Nijmegen. Timetables may change. Bus route 30 connects the station with Station Zuid, Julianadorp and Schagen; bus routes and timetables may also change. The ferry from Den Helder to Texel takes about 20 minutes. The frequency of crossings and operating conditions may change.

Rental locations for regular and electric bicycles are available in Den Helder and Julianadorp; an OV-fiets is also available at Den Helder Central Station. Providers and availability may change. When choosing a hotel, first decide which visits will shape your trip: museum and shipyard history, walks, or beach and water activities. For activities subject to seasonal or weather-dependent conditions, check availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Julianadorp, Huisduinen, Den Helder, Julianadorp Aan Zee, Beverwijk, Schermer, Medemblik, Blaricum

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