The beaches of Den Helder and Julianadorp are once again allowed to fly the Blue Flag this year. That might sound like an official distinction, but for visitors, it primarily means something very practical: clean swimming water, great facilities, and a beach you can visit with peace of mind.
That is important for families. You don't want to have to figure out first whether a beach is clean, safe, and well-organized. You want to lay down your towel, let the children play, have a drink at a beach pavilion, and enjoy the sea, sand, and fresh air.
Clean and safe
The Blue Flag is awarded only to beaches and marinas that meet strict requirements. Factors assessed include water quality, safety, maintenance, sustainability, and facilities. Marina WSV Breewijd in Den Helder also received the international distinction once again.
In total, Blue Flags will be flying at 195 locations in the Netherlands in 2026. For Den Helder, the recognition has become familiar, but it never happens automatically. “It is always a question of whether you will get it, because you have to earn it,” says Bert Riedeman of WSV Breewijd. The marina received the Blue Flag for the 25th time this year.
Extra clean beach
The fact that the beaches of Den Helder and Julianadorp are well managed was already evident last year. During the Dutch Coast Days 2025, the beaches of Den Helder were named the cleanest beaches in North Holland. The beaches once again received the highest rating of four stars, earning them the status of 'very clean beach'.
According to Jan Roelofsen of the Noordkop Beach Exploitation Foundation, the strength lies primarily in collaboration. Beach pavilion owners, lifeguards, beach managers, and visitors all contribute to this. “When the beach is clean at the start of the day, it stays clean much more easily. People are then more willing to clean up their own waste.”
Outdoors with children
For children, the beach is a place where you don't need much. A shovel, a ball, a bucket, or just bare feet in the sand are often enough. While they play, you have room to catch your breath.
That is precisely why it is pleasant that the beaches here are well maintained. Clean sand, good facilities, and supervision ensure that a day at the beach requires less hassle. This makes Den Helder and Julianadorp attractive for a short afternoon by the sea, but also for a complete holiday day.
Peace, space and sun
The Blue Flag is therefore more than a quality mark on a flagpole. It is a confirmation of what you experience here as a visitor: space, clean beaches, and a coast where care for nature and recreation come together.
Add to that the title of cleanest beach in North Holland and the many hours of sunshine, and you have all the ingredients for a lovely day by the sea. Whether you come to swim, walk, build sandcastles, or just get a breath of fresh air.
