Bellevue Foodstation stop in the city center of Den Helder
photo: Ilse Kootkar

City trip Den Helder: for those looking for space, stories and character

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Rugged, creative and close to the sea

Den Helder surprises you

Fancy a city break to a place with a difference? Den Helder combines rugged maritime charm with a surprising amount of art, nature, and great addresses. No busy boulevards here, but peace, space, and places that stimulate your senses. Discover the raw edge of the Netherlands and see why more and more people are rediscovering Den Helder.

Cozy terraces in Den Helder
photo: Fred van Eck
Discover Willemsoord, the city center, Huisduinen and Julianadorp

Stroll through neighborhoods full of character and contrast

Each neighborhood in Den Helder has its own atmosphere.
In Willemsoord you can wander past historic ships, nautical museums and cozy restaurants in monumental buildings.
The city centre is bursting with galleries, vintage shops and creative entrepreneurs.
In Huisduinen you feel the character of an old fishing village, right on the sea, perfect for walking.
Julianadorp offers space, flower bulb fields, and quiet beaches. The perfect place for those seeking peace and quiet.

Stroll through Willemsoord
Photo: Fred van Eck
From fine dining to coffee shops with character

Food with a story

Den Helder offers a culinary selection that will pleasantly surprise you. Many restaurants use products from local producers, such as the De Groene Stek urban nursery and the Tesselaar dairy farm.
Enjoy a view? Book a table at C'est la Vie and savor the view of the Wadden Sea. For a unique setting, choose Fort Westoever, an old fort with its own brewery. At Neptunes, you can sample fish prepared in a ship's style.

For casual dining and drinks, visit places like Nozems, Stoom, De Werf, or Kade60.
You can find good coffee and lunch with vegetarian/vegan options at Robuust, Deugeniet and Avanti.

dining at Fort Westoever
Art and nature project de Nollen
Photo: Ilse Kootkar
Views that linger

Culture and nature

Be inspired by outdoor art, museums and the beach.
Visit the impressive art landscape De Nollen, where nature and art merge.
Be moved by stories at the Navy Museum and the National Rescue Museum. Or learn more about biodiversity and circular initiatives at De Helderse Vallei.

Then kick off your shoes and feel the sand: the 7-kilometer-long beach awaits you. Perfect for a sunset stroll.

Accommodations with a view, character or history

Sleeping in special places

From design to history: your overnight stay at Den Helder will also feel different.
Sleep in the former coast guard tower with a sea view. Or choose the fort guard house, a bunker, or a spot right on the beach.
Prefer something more comfortable? Den Helder also offers lovely hotels, B&Bs, and small vacation rentals, each with its own unique story.

Overnight stay in the Coast Guard Tower
Photo: Stephan Wegman
Experience the peace in Den Helder

From city to mudflats

Den Helder invites you to move.
Cycle from the city center to the dike. Walk through the dunes or follow the path along the sea.
Along the route you will encounter art, galleries, quiet places and pleasant catering stops.
Here you determine the pace yourself and naturally let go of the hustle and bustle.

Sunset at the Count's Dunes
Meet Lange Jaap: tough, headstrong and iconic

The lighthouse points the way

No city trip to Den Helder is complete without seeing the Lange Jaap, the dike and the sea.
This imposing cast-iron lighthouse is a beacon for sailors and visitors alike. It marks the beginning of the Netherlands, but also the start of your adventure.

Photo: DroneQ
Bulb fields Julianadorp
Space to catch your breath by the sea

Plan your city trip

Den Helder offers space for those who travel consciously, are open to surprises, and appreciate places with character. Combine nature, art, delicious food, and tranquility in a single trip. Book your train, choose an accommodation that suits you, and discover a different side of the Netherlands.

You must see these places in Den Helder

Tips for your City Trip

Attractions
Step aboard a real submarine and discover the world of the navy
Attractions
A walking work of art in the dune landscape, with sculptures by Van de Wint
Bed and breakfast
Nowhere can you sleep closer to the sea than in this tower. This unique holiday apartment is located in the charming coastal village of Huisduinen. The former coastguard tower has been transformed into a beautiful apartment with...
Activities during your weekend away

Check out these events

Event  Music
From street sessions to choirs: music can be heard everywhere on this day
Sat 30 May '26
Event
Live bands, DJs and summer vibes in the open-air theater
Sat 4 Jul '26
Event
Enjoy music, market and picnic under the trees in Timor Park
Sun 6 Sep '26

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