Deze gevarieerde route loopt langs de verschillende landschappen van de kop van Noord-Holland. Het open aandijkingslandschap en natuurgebied Mariëndal, de duinen van het Botgat en de Donkere Duinen, die mooi contrasteren met het open achterland.
These dunes are formed from the remains of the old Wadden island Huisduinen. South of this are the Donkere Duinen. These originated from the small Wadden island of Ooghduinen. The gap between the two islands closed in the 16th century. The Harmplas dune lake is now located here.
Art and Nature project The Nollen is an initiative of artist R.W. van de Wint. In 1980 Van de Wint began with a painterly experiment in the old dunes "De Nollen". That grew into paintings, sculptures and structures.
Fort Dirksz Admiraal was built in 1812-1813 as the middle fort in the Stelling van Den Helder. The fort is named after the former mayor of Monnickendam, Cornelis Dirkszoon, who was admiral of the North Holland fleet during the Eighty Years' War. In an advanced position, in what was then still a swamp area, both Fort Oostoever and Fort Erfprins could be protected from this fort. During the Second World War, the German occupier made use of the fort by building an anti-aircraft battery on it. This is still completely present. The fort was used by the Royal Netherlands Army during the Cold
In 1856 Den Helder got as one of the first cities in the Netherlands their own Water Tower, located in Huisduinen. After 50 years the tower was relocated to the center of Den Helder. In 2005 the tower was renovated to show how it was at first
This B & B is located near the center of Den Helder on the main road to Texel opposite Willemsoord. An atmospheric B & B with atmospheric rooms. Coffee and tea is ready in the rooms. Toilets and showers are shared. Nice cafes and restaurants as well as the sea and beach and the shops within walking distance.
The Dutch lifeboat service through the ages and the safety aspects at sea are at the centre of attention in this museum. Original lifeboats, ship models, scale models, paintings, pictures, distinctions, life-saving equipment and movies are being displayed. All texts and computersimulations are in the English language and most movies as well. Daily, between 13.00 and 16.00 hrs, a 15 minute tour through the inner harbour can be made on board a historic lifeboat. Reservations for the boattrip not required.
H.W.N. is an watersport organization, with 120 berths in the nautical heart of Den Helder. Situated next to a big shipyard, right next to the harbor for offshore, fishing and navy, there is always something to see or do around here. We have a nice wooden building with a cantina and sanitation. During the summer, the harbormaster will be there to welcome you and be at your service.
B&B De RijksWerf is located at an unique location at the "Oude Rijkswerf Willemsoord". Museums, restaurants and the city centre are nearby.
The Navy Museum is now a maritime interactive learning center for all ages. The latest addition to the museum is the home of the bridge ex-hr.ms. de Ruyter: Meet the guided weapon frigate and his crew and learn all about the 3-D radar! The Navy Museum also has possiblities for meetings. You can also visit a dutch submarine.
Fort Erfprins is a nineteenth-century fortress west in the city of Den Helder. With an area of ??49 ha. Erfprins is the largest fortress in the Netherlands.
The nature that surrounds Den Helder is fairly unknown, but certainly worth the effort. For example the "Huisduinerpolder". Located behind the hospital of Den Helder starts a path to the marshy polder, next to Fort Erfprins. The brackish influence of the North Sea water is noticeable in the vegetation due to the presence of salt-loving plants. In spring and autumn there are large numbers of curlews, sandpipers and oystercatchers at high tide. Brent geese, snow buntings and moorhens look for food in the winter. The polder is a breeding ground for reed singers and redshanks.
The Mariëndal used to be an agricultural area with straight lines. The nature has taken back control over this area and the sea and wildlife have tranformed the valley.
