With the sea on three sides: the North Sea, the Wadden Sea, and the Marsdiep, Den Helder boasts a unique location. What's considered a fantastic view, on the one hand, is also a strategic point for stopping the enemy. This has happened more than once throughout history.

Stelling Den Helder is one of the oldest remaining military defense lines in the Netherlands. It was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to protect the Willemsoord Naval Shipyard. The town of Den Helder owes its current shape to this Stelling, which is still largely visible in the landscape.

The Den Helder Defence Line includes all forts, bunkers, the dike and Willemsoord.

Den Helder and the surrounding villages of Huisduinen and Julianadorp have a centuries-long, turbulent history, during which water and wind have been their greatest enemies. Not only water, but also neighboring countries can unexpectedly act hostilely.

Over the past two centuries, Huisduinen, thanks to its strategic location by the sea, has been the subject of several raids by English, French, and German occupiers. For example, during the Golden Age, the naval battle "Battle of Kijkduin" took place in 1673, led by Michiel de Ruyter and Tromp, against the English. The French took over Dutch territory in the early 1800s, and Den Helder was heavily bombed, demolished, and damaged during World War II.

All these historical events have left their mark, not only in stories but also in impressive defensive structures. Some remnants of this military heritage can be visited.

Fort Kijkduin
An imposing Napoleonic fort dating from 1811 houses a fascinating North Sea aquarium and historical museum with a newly renovated exhibition. The underground tunnels, the 15-meter-long aquarium tunnel, and the enormous skeleton of Chris the Sperm Whale are impressive. The fort also boasts a beautiful terrace with sea views and a fort guard's house where guests can spend the night.

Fort Westoever
Originally, this was the fort on the North Holland Canal. A fort dating back to 1825, it remains exactly the same on the outside, but inside it's been transformed into a real brewery where Helders beer is brewed, along with a cozy beer café where you can enjoy the best Den Helder hamburger. There are also two escape rooms. At Fort Westoever, you can also rent a boat to sail across the Den Helder Defence Line and the Helders Canal.

Fort Harssens
The armored coastal fort, dating from 1885, had two gun turrets, each with two cannons, the largest ever mounted on a fort in the Netherlands. From this fort, the channels in the Marsdiep were defended. During a test firing, Fort Harssens's strength was demonstrated; many windows in the area were shattered, and even windowsills were dislocated. In 1950, the fort was "buried underground" during the construction of the Nieuwe Haven (New Harbor). In 2009, a section of the dry moat was excavated by enthusiastic volunteers, who made the fort safe and accessible again. During a guided tour, you can still experience the atmosphere of 1900. Contact Fort Harssens for more information.

Atlantic Wall Center
Den Helder was part of the Atlantic Wall, built by the German occupying forces during World War II. This defense line, over 5,000 kilometers long, stretched from Norway to Spain. The Atlantic Wall Center is located in the remains of a German officers' building from this period. Here you'll find an interactive exhibition that tells the story of Den Helder, the most bombed city in the country. For opening hours, see the website.

Completed your fort visit? The Stelling Den Helder (Fortification Line Den Helder) connects the forts with a dike and a moat. You can walk, cycle, and sail along the dike.
The Napoleon Route passes many military fortifications and is both surprising and very green!

Want to experience the Stelling Den Helder experience to the fullest? Then stay overnight at Holiday Home De Bunker. It's clear that this holiday home is a real bunker. The original walls have been preserved and are recognizable, and the owners treat the history with respect.