Discover Den Helder at its best

Cycle through nature and history around Den Helder
Den Helder is known for its water and maritime history, but this city also offers a surprising amount of nature. This route lets you explore the green belt surrounding Den Helder, combined with impressive historical sites.

Discover Timor Park and Fort Dirksz. Admiraal
You begin the route along Timorpark, a beautiful park in the English landscape style where tranquility and greenery converge. Along the historic dike, you cycle to Fort Dirksz. Admiraal, one of the four forts of the Stelling van Den Helder (ITP2T Defence Line). This defensive structure was commissioned by Napoleon to protect the city's strategic naval port.

The Nollen landscape and the dunes
You'll cycle along the artistic Nollen landscape, a creation by artist Ruud van de Wint, to Mariëndal. Here, low dunes and dune grasslands grow on former bulb fields. Then you'll reach the coniferous forests of the Donkere Duinen and the Grafelijkheidsduinen. These nature reserves are unique: they were formed by drifting sand and consist of the remains of two old Wadden Islands.

Maritime icons: Lange Jaap and Fort Kijkduin
In the distance looms Lange Jaap, the tallest cast-iron lighthouse in Europe, at almost 64 meters tall. Before reaching this iconic lighthouse, you can take a trip to Fort Kijkduin, another fort from the Den Helder Defence Line and a national monument steeped in maritime history.

Finish along the harbor and new city parks
The route continues along the coast to the port of Den Helder. Here you'll visit the Naval Museum and board museum ships, where former crew members bring their stories to life. You might even spot a Dutch naval vessel. Cycling along the east side of the city, you'll pass through Schooterduinpark and Rehorstpark, two young and green city parks that offer a peaceful end to your trip.