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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Music association Winnubst
Music association Winnubst, founded in 1900, offers musical relaxation to around 100 enthusiastic singers. With a good training of their own through the Klein Harmonieorkest, Winnubst ensures that the Harmonie orchestra can continue to operate at the highest level. In addition, Winnubst has the Bigband Frankie Goes To ... and the multi-bladed chapel the Knorhanen, now a household name in Den Helder and the like.
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Afghan Market
A multicultural store with many types of herbs, fresh vegetables and fruit and much more.
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“Diverzo Café”
A beautiful industrial wall, including bronze accents. A bar with beautiful curves and lounge sofas where you can relax. Anyone who takes a step inside our café immediately feels the warm atmosphere.
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Apple mix Fried Chicken
Apple mix offers various dishes including; boxes with fried chicken, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and more.
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Bar Bonaire
Bar Bonaire is the place where the nights are going further and at day there is space for lunch. We stay to have the same concept but that better and longer. We open at 11:00. You can come in and enjoy a coffee or something from out new menu like fingerfood. In the evening we are as we were before. We are also going to organize more events.
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VR Activiteiten
VR ervaren bij ons? In Den Helder kun je bij ons de diverse spellen komen spelen!
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Wadden Explorer
Rib trip: the ideal outing for companies, bachelor/bachelorette parties, famliy/friends and individual visitors. Join our 10 meter long boat for a fantastic experience on the North sea. Our boat has a capacity for 10 people. If your group is bigger than 10 people, there is a possibility to go with several boats.
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Marina W.S.V. Onrust
The marina of our organization is situated around the ''Onrust'' area. On the one side the basin and the Spoorharbor, and at the other side the Canal of Den Helder. In total we have around 100 berths. The births vary in size from 6 meters to around 17 meters.
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Restaurant “’t Veerhuis Lands End”
'T Veerhuis Lands End is literally in the north of North Holland. From this unique location on the dike, we offer a magnificent view. In our restaurant or at our terrace you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee, lunch, high tea, drinks or a dinner. Our chefs work with fresh products.