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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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Marine Watersport Vereniging
Marina with 45 berths and a seasonal bar, close to the center of Den Helder
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Mariëndal
At the end of 2005, the nature in Den Helder was expanded with more than 50 hectares of natural bush land. Flower bulb fields were converted into low dunes, dune grasslands and water features. Come and visit and be amazed by the wealth of flowers, butterflies and birds. Don’t forget your boots!
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HSV Den Helder
HSV Den Helder has been around since 1934 and is a fishing club for everyone. HSV often organizes fun events for young and old, which everyone can join. You want to get acquainted with sport fishing or participate in competitions? Join them!
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Medemblikker Loods
The Medemblikkerloods on Willemsoord is a place where history comes to life. Here, wood is still worked, just as it was in the past. The name refers to the carpenters from Medemblik who practiced their craft here in the 19th century. In their original shed, dating from 1833, wood was dried after years of soaking in the Binnenhaven to soften it enough for working. After serving as a copper warehouse, metalworking shop, and storage for dockworkers, the old shed was demolished in the 1980s. But in 2003, it was rebuilt with the same design and renewed energy. It is now a well-equipped woodworking shop where restoration and maintenance of classic ships—from botters to sloops—are carried out. Thanks to support from the Wadden Fund and the efforts of dozens of volunteers, this shed has become a vibrant place. You'll also find an instruction room and storage facilities, all dedicated to preserving the Museum Harbor. Everything here exudes craftsmanship, a love of maritime heritage, and a focus on sustainability. The warehouse is managed by the Willemsoord Shipyard Foundation. A visit is more than just seeing – it's experiencing how past and future merge in wood, hands, and stories.
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Stichting Y8122
Sail on a historic tugboat to Texel, the Wadden Sea or the North Sea
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Duinpassage Falga Den Helder
Shopping arcade in Den Helder with daily shops nearby.
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De Marine Bedrijf Sport en OntspanningsVereniging (MBSOV)
Sports, culture and recreation for (former) navy employees
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Strandpaviljoen Beachclub Citadel
Year-round beach pavilion for lunch, dinner or a drink by the sea
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Nozems
Enjoy lunch, dinner and coffee with a view of the city center