In 1875, the Netherlands passed the fortress law. In this law it was layed out which areas in the Netherlands had to be able to be defended in case of war. Emphasis was put on the coastal defense, and for instance the defence of big cities like Amsterdam in the form of a Stelling around the capital. Within the Stelling Den Helder, it was decided that an armored coastal fort had to be built on the sandbank Harssens. It wouldn’t be the only armored coastal fort, but it would be a unique one in shape and execution. To man the fort, a new regiment was established. Fort Harssens is unique because of the biggest canons that have ever been put on top of a fort. In two domes, there were two canons each with a diameter of 30,5 cm (12”, 1′). Directed at navigation channel Molengat, they could propel objects up to 7 kilometers away. De domes were moved by hydraulics en could turn 360 degrees. The fort was ready in 1885, en left empty in 1920. After the war, the German canons and armored domes were removed. After the war, the fort was used as a foundation for the harbor co-ordination center of the new naval port, and the dry canals were filled up with concrete. In 2010, a new start has been made to make the fort accessible again. Nowadays that is largely possible again, and guided tours are being given.
Fort Harssens
Nearby locations
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“Boon Viswereld”
Boon Viswereld is a fish restaurant located in the city centre of Den Helder. With serve a wide range of fresh, smoked and fried fish.
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Frietboetiek De Werviaan
What is tastier than the smell of fresh fries? The smell of hand-made fresh fries ofcourse! With that authentic potato-flavour and a crispy edge. That's exactly what we sell at Frietboetiek De Werviaan at Willemsoord 50. Just fries, or in combination with some lovely beef stew or some tasty mayonnaise. Our fries are: - Hand-cut from local potatoes - Made according to traditional methods - Baked in natural oil - Provided with a tasty sauce - Well worth combining with our kroketten, frikandellen or beef stew
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VR activiteiten
Virtual Reality – ook wel VR genoemd – is een technologie waarbij je een speciale bril op je hoofd zet en je jezelf in een andere wereld waant.
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Marina Willemsoord
Willemsoord Marina is a marina with modern sanitary facilities, a launderette and a fuel pontoon where you can refuel with diesel oil. The marina is equipped with a WiFi system. As a marina, we have proudly been wearing the Blue Flag since 2009 and since 2016 the Green Pennant has also been added. The Blue Flag and Green Pennant are international environmental awards. Outside the marina we have a yacht yard where you can go for all types of maintenance and repair work.
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Café de Boell
A cozy party cafe for all ages! There are six dart courts, a large fresh smoking room and a large sunny terrace, so there is something for everyone!
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Balgzand
Nowhere in North Holland is bird life as rich as on Balgzand. The land here is wide and beautiful. From a number of points on the sea dyke you have a beautiful view of the mudflats. A good point to look at is ’t Kuitje Information Centre on the Oostoeverweg in Den Helder. Note the tides, for with rising water the thousands of birds fly in large swirling clouds towards the dike to spend time there.
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Sportfishing “Mercuur”
Sport fishing on the North Sea with Sportfishing Mercury A day of sport fishing is a unique way to discover the North Sea. Fish all day on the North Sea with colleagues, friends or family and take your caught fish home. Ideal as a business trip or family day Take the caught mackerel or cod home Sport fishing with experienced crew Fish material present on the Mercury
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Villastar home furnishings
The cheapest home furnisher of the northern head. Choose from a very large assortment.
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The Helders museum
The Helders museum is located in the old music dome of the former lyceum on Timorlaan. Today this dome is also known as the Paviljoen van Toen, which borders the Timor Park in Den Helder. In addition to changing exhibitions, the museum also has various artefacts on display, each of which tells a specific story about the rich history of the city of Den Helder. Be amazed in the city museum of Den Helder by beautiful photos and objects from the history of Den Helder!