Den Helder is known for its base for the Dutch Marines. When visiting Den Helder the places of interest to visit are for instance the Fort Kijkduin, the Naval Museum and the National Lifeboat Museum.
Below you will find just some of the wonderful attractions and activities Den Helder has to offer.
Den Helder played an important part in Dutch shipping during the Dutch Golden Age. During this period ships would gather close to Den Helder and sail the world’s oceans from here.
In the 1820s, the North Holland Canal was dug from Amsterdam to Den Helder. The lighthouse Lange Jaap was built in 1877 and is the tallest cast-iron lighthouse in Europe.
No events planned
Historical tour of the old imperial harbor of Den Helder. Museumharbor Willemsoord contains the canals surrounding the monumental Willemsoord yard complex, part of the beating hart of Den helder. Here you can see an extensive collection of sailing heritage, and you can even visit some of them!
General information
Willemsoord, Den Helder, Nederland
Accessability: Wheelchair accessible
Distance from harbor
550 m, 7 min
walking distance from the ship
The place where you can really experience the Navy.
Meet naval heroes, view weapons and uniforms and step on board of a real submarine!
General information
Willemsoord, Den Helder, Nederland
Accessability: The museum is not completely wheelchair accessible. The ships cannot be visited with a wheelchair.
Distance from harbor
1 km, 13 min
2,1 km, 4 min
Tuesday to Sunday: 10.00 to 17.00 hrs. free parking for coaches
The National Lifeboat Museum Dorus Rijkers is located in the old engine workshop of the historic Naval Dockyard ‘Willemsoord’ in Den Helder. Much of the old engine workshop is still visible throughout the museum today. The museum may look deceptively, inside it is filled with pictures, film, stories, model boats and much more.
General information
Willemsoord 60, Gemeente Den Helder, Nederland
Accessability: In the museum are wheelchairs and walking frames available for visitors.
Distance from harbor
700 m, 8 min
Open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
An enthusiastic guide takes you on a tour and tells you about the history and the building of the Royal Netherlands Naval College.
General information
Het Nieuwe Diep 8, 1781 AC Den Helder, Nederland
Distance from harbor
2 km, 20 min
2 km, 5 min
5 minutes by bus or a 20 minute walk from the ‘Flaneerkade’
Armored fortress, built between 1880 and 1886 by the Dutch, then and now part of the Defence Line Den Helder. Guided tours are provided by volunteers from the Stelling Den Helder Foundation.
General information
Havenplein 5, Den Helder, Nederland
Maximum amount of visitors: 20
Accessability: Fort Harssens is not accessible for wheelchairs
Distance from harbor
2 km, 6 min
To visit by appointment
General information
Burgemeester Ritmeesterweg 10, 1784 NV Den Helder, Nederland
Accessability:
Distance from harbor
3,9 km 50 min
4,4 km, 15 min
5,4 km, 8 min
5,4 km, 10 min
• Possibility of guided tours • 10 minutes by bus from the port
Fort Kijkduin was built by order of Napoleon. In the museum one learns, among other things, on the role of the fortress in the time of Napoleon and the second World War.
General information
Admiraal Verhuellplein 1, Huisduinen, Nederland
Accessability: Fort Kijkduin is wheelchair accessible
Distance from harbor
5 km, 12 min
Possibility of guided tours
In April there are helicopter flights over the tulip fields organized. Related to the bulb growth is this different per year at which data it takes place. It is off course a very unique activity! Flying above the tulip fields.
General information
Luchthavenweg 18, 1786 PP Den Helder, Nederland
Distance from harbor
6 km, 9 min