The Defense Line Den Helder is one of the oldest military defense lines still in the Netherlands. The Defense Line was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to protect the Marinewerf Willemsoord. The city of Den Helder owes its current shape to this Defense Line, which is still largely present in the landscape. The Stelling Den Helder Foundation was established in 1989 with the aim of restoring, developing and managing the Stelling Den Helder. Afterwards, enthusiasm increased for the nautical and military-historical defenses of the Defense Line Den Helder, of which the Willemsoord shipyard is a part. The Defense Line Den Helder is essential for the authenticity and identity of Den Helder. A complete restoration of the position also contributes to strengthening the recreational, tourist, landscape and ecological face of Den Helder and the region.

Stichting Stelling Den Helder
Nearby locations
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Nogal Wiedus aan Zee
- Location
- Huisduinen
A breathtaking location on the seadike of Den Helder. You can enjoy the great dishes and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. On the amazing terrace near the Northsea you might spot a seal of close your eyes and enjoy the sun. Do I need to say more? If it is colder, you have the most beautiful seascapes from the conservatory.
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Atlantikwall Centre
- Location
- Huisduinen
For years, the Administration Building or 'Old Casino' in Huisduinen was a controversial reminder of the war history of the city of Den Helder. But now that this period is further behind us, new impulses are coming to keep the memory of this meaningful period in our history alive. In the elongated exhibition space the visitor can get acquainted with the chronological course of the Second World War, the geography and form of the Atlantic Wall and stories and events from the war history.
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Horse riding school Bruin
- Location
- Huisduinen
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.
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“Fortwachtershuis”
- Location
- Huisduinen
Sleeping in the house of Fort Kijkduin, the Fortwachters house in Huisduinen. Fort Kijkduin is part of the defence line of Den Helder, a unique heritage, includes six fortresses.
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Beach entrance Huisduinen
- Location
- Huisduinen
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''.
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Huisduinerpolder
- Location
- Huisduinen
The nature that surrounds Den Helder is fairly unknown, but certainly worth the effort. For example the "Huisduinerpolder". Located behind the hospital of Den Helder starts a path to the marshy polder, next to Fort Erfprins. The brackish influence of the North Sea water is noticeable in the vegetation due to the presence of salt-loving plants. In spring and autumn there are large numbers of curlews, sandpipers and oystercatchers at high tide. Brent geese, snow buntings and moorhens look for food in the winter. The polder is a breeding ground for reed singers and redshanks.
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“Kustwachttoren”
- Location
- Huisduinen
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.
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Defence line of Den Helder
- Location
- Huisduinen
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.
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Restaurant “Storm aan Zee”
- Location
- Huisduinen
Storm aan Zee has a special location on the seadike of Den Helder, at the beginning of the Dutch coast. At our restaurant you can enjoy a magnificent seaview, De Razende Bol, Texel and the dunes of Den Helder.