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Kitesurfer on the beach
Feel free in the nature of Den Helder

Sports and Outdoors

Den Helder is your playground by the sea, rugged, spacious, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you're looking for peace, action, or inspiration: here you can move your way, surrounded by nature.

Start your day with a coastal walk or a run along the dike. Cycle through the open landscape or challenge yourself on a mountain bike trail through Mariendal. Prefer a more leisurely start? Grab your stand-up paddleboard or canoe and explore the water at your own pace.

Water is everywhere. Go surfing or kitesurfing in Huisduinen, swim in the sea, or opt for the comfort of a modern swimming pool. Book a mudflat hike and literally walk on the seabed. Or rent a sloop and sail to Texel or the Wadden Sea.

Looking for adventure? Climb trees in De KlimVallei, ride horses on the beach at sunset, or play miniature golf with views of the dunes and bulb fields. Looking for a sporty, relaxing getaway? The golf course is right there, right on the coast.

There's plenty to do indoors, too. Throw a strike or choose a fun indoor activity. At Den Helder, you set the pace: active, relaxed, or both.

Ready to go? Here you'll find all the spots for active and relaxing moments outdoors.

Choose your location, pack your things

Active and Sporty  Cultural organizations  Service providers
Train doelgericht met persoonlijke coaching, HYROX en Reformer Pilates in een ruime sportschool in Den Helder.
Cultural and sports associations
Let yourself be carried away by the rhythms of Latin America at the salsa school of the region
Cultural and sports associations
Sports, culture and recreation for (former) navy employees
Cultural and sports associations
Active cycling and MTB club in Den Helder for young and old
Group arrangements and activities
Dance lessons, parties and room rental under one roof in Den Helder
Cultural and sports associations
Experience the magic of the Pacific with enchanting dance shows and warm Aloha welcomes
From beach volleyball to hiking, there's always something to do here

Events full of energy

Event
Did you know that cardiovascular disease 80% can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle? Dr. Janneke Wittekoek, cardiologist and founder of HeartLife Clinics, known from TV programs such as 'De Dokters', 'Gezondtijd', and 'DreamSchool', is going on tour with her theater lecture: 'De Vrouwenhart Show'! An interactive performance in which the doctor's office is brought to the theater.
Thu 22 Oct '26
Event
This show is also accessible to audiences with a visual impairment. The family weekend you actually want to go to! A musical comedy full of sharp satire and relatable Dutch awkwardness. The creators of *Ver van je bed* (8 Musical Award nominations) present *We zijn toch familie*, with Paul de Leeuw as father Evert and Annick Boer as mother Marjan.
Fri 23 Oct '26
Event
Op vrijdag 23 oktober 2026 verandert Den Helder tijdens de tiende Lichtjesloop in een fonkelend lichtspektakel vol beweging, entertainment en verrassingen.
Fri 23 Oct '26
Walking tour
Ervaar de duisternis tijdens een bijzondere avondwandeling door de natuur rond Den Helder. Ontdek de nacht met al je zintuigen.
Sat 24 Oct '26
Event
Eng of fascinerend? Ontdek tijdens deze gratis lezing de bijzondere eigenschappen en het verrassende gedrag van spinnen.
Sat 24 Oct '26
Exhibition
Ontdek op 24 oktober de openingsexpositie ‘Paradijs’ in Galerie Patri Art, met schilderijen, keramiek, tekeningen en pyrograffitti.
Sat 24 Oct '26
Event  Music
Vier Koos Buis zijn 80e verjaardag met drie livebands, sixtiesmuziek en een gratis nasi-hap in Hotel Den Helder.
Sat 24 Oct '26

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