These dunes are formed from the remains of the old Wadden island Huisduinen. South of this are the Donkere Duinen. These originated from the small Wadden island of Ooghduinen. The gap between the two islands closed in the 16th century. The Harmplas dune lake is now located here. The Donkere Duinen is a planted pine forest that has transformed into a varied, more natural forest. There is a ring-shaped duck pond with bushes along its banks. It can be quite busy in the Donkere Duinen, because it is the only walking forest in the neighbourhood of Den Helder. The Refugium is a seven-hectare area, which was created by nature development. It lies like a wedge between the buildings of Nieuw Den Helder, the Grafiteitsduinen and the Donkere Duinen. It originated when sports fields were transformed into a new nature area. Now it is really a paradise for special plants. The Grafelijkheidsduinen and the Refugium are grazed by Scottish Highlanders. Some Konik horses also help in the Grafaliteitsduinen. The grazing in these types of areas ensures varied plant growth. In one place the vegetation is kept short and the soil lean and in places where a lot of fertilizer ends up, plants that love a nutrient-rich soil can grow.
Den Helder dunes
Nearby locations
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Grand Café Monte Carlo
Lunch, drinks or Italian dinner in a stylish grand café at Willemsoord
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De Knorhanen
Boerenkapel de ‘Knorhanen’ is ontstaan in 1961 uit leden van Harmonie “Winnubst”. Er werd destijds een carnavalsvereniging opgericht en daar hoorde natuurlijk een boerenkapel bij. De carnavalsvereniging ontstond uit leden van voetbalclub WGW en muziekvereniging Winnubst dus een boerenkapel was zo voorhanden. Een naam voor de carnavalsvereniging werd gauw gevonden: CV de ‘Krabbetukkers’ en de naam ‘Knorhanen’ paste daar mooi bij. Een knorhaan is één van de weinige vissen die geluid maakt (dat doet hij als er gevaar dreigt, maar de kapel doet dat alleen als de gezelligheid dreigt).
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Aquacentrum Den Helder
At Aquacentrum Den Helder, you can do everything from recreational swimming to lessons, and we even have a real Aquabootcamp! Young and old are welcome. We also have the Triton 12 diving tower, where Dutch and international professionals come to train. This ultra-modern diving tower is unique in Europe.
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Fort Westoever
Beer, burgers and karaoke in a historic location in Den Helder
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Lightship Texel
Since 1996, the museum lightship Texel No. 10 has been an absolute eye-catcher in Museum Harbor Willemsoord on the Oude Rijkswerf Willemsoord in Den Helder. What is special is that the now beautifully restored ship is moored a stone's throw from the slipway where she was launched in 1951. After this, the lightship would be a reliable beacon in the sea off the Dutch coast for forty years. It now forms a shining centerpiece of a special museum ships collection. Lightship Texel is open to the public, check the website for current opening times.
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Nature information center Balgzand, ‘t Kuitje
Southeast of Den Helder lies the beautiful nature reserve World Heritage Waddenzee. The Balgzand is the the western part of the Waddenzee. This area is very important for migrating birds and for fish. To have as many people as possible know about this beautiful reserve, Nature information center Balgzand 't Kuitje hosts wad excursions organised by the Waddenvereniging.
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Stelling Den Helder
Old defense line with forts, bunkers and routes through the city and dunes
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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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De Boerenlandroute
The Helderse Vallei is the starting point of the 4 well-marked canoe routes that Den Helder has, with various jetties along the way. In addition, Den Helder has various waterways that are easily accessible for canoes. The farmland route (orange route, 12 km) goes right through the bulb fields.