Defence line of Den Helder

Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon Did you know that sharks live in the North Sea? Would you dare to feed them? This is possible in the North Sea aquarium of Fort Kijkduin! A visit to the aquarium is an exciting and educational adventure where you learn everything about the underwater life in the Wadden and North Sea. Spectacular is the 15-metre-long walk-through tunnel. The historical museum of the fort is also very interesting. Walk through underground tunnels and discover 200 years of military history about Den Helder and the Napoleonic fortress itself. The new family exhibition explores the lives and work of the soldiers stationed in the fort in 1939 during the mobilization of the Dutch army.

Deze 11 km wandelroute voort u langs de forten, verbonden door de Liniedijk, samen vormen ze de Stelling van Den Helder. U wandelt deze route aan de hand van een boekje, met veel achtergrondinformatie over de tijd van Napoleon in dit gebied en landschappelijke aspecten. Dit boekje is verkrijgbaar bij de VVV's voor €2,50. Langs de route staan ook verschillende informatiepanelen behorend bij deze route.

At a 5 minutes walk from beach, sea and dunes lies horse riding school Bruin. From the age of 7 you can join our world of horse riding. We are a 3-star FNRS horse riding school. For both the beginning and the experienced horse rider, you have come to the right place. You are also welcome for jumping and dressage lessons. But we do more than just lessons. During the summer you can enjoy outside rides across beaches and dunes. We organise dressage and jumping competitions, variety shows, ridercamps, moonrides and we help you get rider certificate 1, 2 and 3, and the rider's license.

The nature that surrounds Den Helder is fairly unknown, but certainly worth the effort. For example the "Huisduinerpolder". Located behind the hospital of Den Helder starts a path to the marshy polder, next to Fort Erfprins. The brackish influence of the North Sea water is noticeable in the vegetation due to the presence of salt-loving plants. In spring and autumn there are large numbers of curlews, sandpipers and oystercatchers at high tide. Brent geese, snow buntings and moorhens look for food in the winter. The polder is a breeding ground for reed singers and redshanks.

Visit this striking building and discover the story of the Atlantic Wall

Hotel The Baron Crown is situated in the picturesque seaside resort Huisduinen, a stonethrow away from Den Helder, next to the beaches, sea and dunes. Within 5 minutes you reach the centre of Den Helder. Our hotel offers free WiFi. The suites feature a seating area with a flat-screen TV, DVD player, a minibar and coffee and tea. Each suite also has ironing facilities.

Discover Napoleon's fort and walk among sharks in the aquarium

Beach entrance Huisduinen lies almost under de most beautiful and oldest lighthouse of the Netherlands, called ''de Lange Jaap'' and is named after the old village Huisduinen, which lies directly next to it. This beach is a nice and quiet family beach, with its own paviljon ''Factor 30''. You can find the toilets and beach shower here. In de surrounding area there is a beautiful old fort - ''Fort Kijkduin'', which you can visit. It has a magnificent sea fish tank, and a overview of the history of this fort. You can walk and cycle in a big dune area ''de Grafelijkheidsduinen''.

A breathtaking location on the seadike of Den Helder. You can enjoy the great dishes and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. On the amazing terrace near the Northsea you might spot a seal of close your eyes and enjoy the sun. Do I need to say more? If it is colder, you have the most beautiful seascapes from the conservatory.