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Enjoy a drink on a terrace at Willemsoord
Photo Peter van Aalst

24 hours in Den Helder: from sea hero to sunset

24 hours in Den Helder: from sea hero to sunset

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Have you only one day at Den Helder? Make it one to remember. Start your morning in peace among the tropical plants of Hortus Overzee. Then stroll past naval ships and delve into the stories of brave rescuers. In the afternoon, stroll through colorful artificial dunes or hop in a canoe towards Julianadorp. End your day with a local beer in a vibrant fort or sing your heart out in the karaoke bar. In 24 hours, you'll experience more than you think.

Start your day relaxed

A Helderse morning

10:00 – Start with a relaxed breakfast in the city

Start your day in the center of Den Helder with a delicious breakfast or a cappuccino on the terrace. Choose a cozy spot with local products, right in the heart of the vibrant city center.

11:00 – Tropical tranquility in Hortus Overzee

Then stroll to Hortus Overzee. Discover the largest Japanese garden in the Netherlands with flowing water, tropical butterflies, and unique plants from around the world. An oasis of peace and inspiration.

Hortus Overseas
Discover Den Helder from the water

Maritime Stories

12:30 – Maritime stories at Willemsoord

Time for adventure! Visit the Navy Museum and board a submarine. Combine your visit with the Rescue Museum and experience wind force 10 or learn Morse code. Both are interactive and inspiring.

2:00 PM – Lunch with a view of the water

Enjoy a healthy lunch at one of Willemsoord's restaurants. Gaze out over the historic harbor and recharge for the afternoon.

3:00 PM – Art and nature at De Nollen

Visit the unique art and nature project De Nollen. Take a guided walk past monumental sculptures and colorful bunkers that blend seamlessly into the dune landscape.

4:30 PM – Paddling through forts and polders

Rent a canoe from Canoe Rental Den Helder and choose a route along the Den Helder Defence Line or through the wide fields towards Julianadorp.

Canoeing at Willemsoord
Den Helder knows the most beautiful skies

Eating at sunset

6:30 PM – Beer and burgers at Fort Westoever

End the day with artisanal food and locally brewed beer at Fort Westoever. Prefer something more active? Book a karaoke room and sing your way into the night!

20:30 – Sunset at the sea

Take a short walk along the dike or through the Helderse Dunes. A perfect ending to the day with a view of the sunset.

Photo of sunset around the polder by Huisduinen with the long jaap and a red colored sky
You don't want to miss these places

Want to see more?

Attractions
You will find the National Rescue Museum at the Willemsoord Royal Shipyard in Den Helder. In this museum, you will discover everything about rescuers at sea. Step aboard real lifeboats and...
Places of interest
Rebuilt sawmill on the Vinkenterrein: icon of the past and the future
Places of interest
A sturdy lighthouse with a view, history and character
Places of interest  Group arrangements and activities  Restaurants
Sing, taste and celebrate life at Fort Westoever – a unique location in Den Helder.
Attractions
Historic ships, maritime crafts and nautical heritage in the harbour
Attractions
A walking work of art in the dune landscape, with sculptures by Van de Wint
Your 24 hours in Den Helder might look very different

Discover your own Den Helder

The city holds too many surprises for a single, fixed itinerary. Perhaps you'd prefer to start with a coffee in the harbor. Or perhaps with a refreshing dip in the sea. Perhaps you'll take in the theater, a stroll along the bunkers, or perhaps an afternoon at the beach.

Whatever you choose, you'll find plenty of ideas on our website to create your own 24-hour itinerary. From hidden gems to true must-sees.

Get inspired. Mix, match, and make it your own Den Helder.

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