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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Drugstore Verberne
At Drugstore Verberne, service and good advice are our number one priority. We have a broad assortment of products, and can order anything you can't find in our store. Whether it's a foto for your passport, glasses or having your ears pierced, we stand at the ready!
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Café Dupont
Our Café has been around since 1983 and is located in the center of Den Helder. It is a nice and cozy brown cafe where you can have a drink, play a game of pool or enjoy a game of darts. There are also regular live performances by various bands, see our agenda for more info. You can also follow various important football matches on a big screen. Er worden ook regelmatig live optredens gegeven door diverse bands, zie voor meer info onze agenda. Tevens kan men ook diverse belangrijke voetbalwedstrijden volgen op groot scherm. Kortom, kom een keertje langs en ervaar de gezelligheid zelf
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Dancing School Corma
Dancing school Corma is there for all your dancing lessons , parties and room rental in Den Helder! Corma organizes the following classes: Ballroom and Latin, Salsa, Rock&Roll/Swing, Musical, Showdance, Technical lessons and Popshow Musical.
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Maritieme Herberg Neptunus
Neptunus is a cozy food establishment with a party space at the Den Helder harbor. From the restaurant you have a beautiful overview of the marina and the Nieuwe Diep where you can see sea-going vessels and fishing boats. Our terrace is the ideal place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with something tasty on the side.
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‘WSV Onrust’
The marina of the Onrust association is situated around the "Onrust" residential area. On one side the Bassin and Spoorhaven and on the other side the Helders Kanaal (the canal). The club has around 100 berths in total. The size of the berths varies from 6 meters to around 17 meters. In the Helders Kanaal the berths are issued at the length of the ship while the boxes are issued at box length (12 meters for the Bassin and 15 meters for the Spoorhaven).
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American diner the crazy chicken
American diner the crazy chicken
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Historisch Documentatiecentrum Marinebedrijven
Het HisDocMB is een afdeling van de Marine Bedrijf Sport- en Ontspanningsvereniging (MBSOV). Zij verzamelen informatie over de historie van de voormalige Koninklijke Marine onderhoudsbedrijven en over activiteiten die plaats vinden bij HisDocMB. Het HisDocMB ondersteunt instellingen, musea, onderzoekers en andere geinteresseerden met informatie en documentatie over de geschiedenis van de Koninklijke Marine onderhoudsbedrijven. Het HisDocMB doet onderzoek naar de geschiedenis van deze bedrijven en verzamelt hiertoe documentatie en beeldmateriaal die een relatie hebben met deze bedrijven.
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Fort Oostoever
The title, Fort Oostoever, a half fort' is for the second time validity. Seperated by the Noordhollands canel alongside Fort Westoever the fortress on the Noordhollands canel. After the urge to expand of the council of Den Helder to get more space the fort was halved again. Fortress Oostoever is rarely visitable.
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Billiard- and snookercenter Den Helder
A night out with friends, a game of pool, billiard or snooker, all whilst enjoying a craft beer from the tap? Or would you rather go to battle in our 400 square meter lasertag arena? Everything is possible at the Billiard- and snookercenter!