“Fortwachtershuis”

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

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.

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.

Nowhere can you sleep as close to the sea as when you sleep in De Kustwachttoren. This unique holiday apartment is situated in the lovely coastal town Huisduinen. This former coastguard tower has been transformed into a stunning apartment with a spectacular view across land and sea. The apartment is situated on the third, fourth and fifth floor of the former coastguard tower. De Kustwachttoren has been renovated while maintaining its original character, providing you with a special view from anywhere in the apartment.

The 'Stelling of Den Helder' is one of the oldest stll presence military defensive lines in the Netherlands. The 'stelling' is build in commisioned by Napoleon as a protection of navy base Willemsoord. The city of Den Helder got his shape because of the 'Stelling' which is still seeable in the landscape. The 'Stelling of Den Helder' is very important for the authenticity and identity of Den Helder.

Would you like to have a diner at a beautiful location, with hospitable service and culinary indulgence, while you enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea? Then restaurant C'est la vie "Wine & Dine" is great for you! Our restaurant is known for its atmosphere and comfort. Fresh, regional and seasonal products characterize the menu of our chef Raymond van Veen.

When you look towards Den Helder, at night you can see a bright light shining from miles away (33,5 miles to be exact!). It's ''De Lange Jaap''; the symbol of Den Helder. It is the tallest cast-iron lighthouse of Europa, and the second-highest lighthouse in the Netherlands. It towers above everything else at 63 meters tall.

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.

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''.