Ten Reasons Why You Should Come To Den Helder

Small and peaceful
Den Helder is located all the way in the top of the left part of the Netherlands. Originally a whaler’s town, the sea that’s nearby has always been the main economic aorta. More modern areas now surround characteristic parts of the old town. With around 45.000 inhabitants it’s a nice fisher’s town and commonly known as the place where the Royal Navy is situated. Peace, quiet and fresh air are a great combination with the options that Den Helder offers.

Easily reached
Trains stop at Den Helder every half hour and therefore it’s easy to get in and out of the city. Of course there’s the ferry that takes people to the island Texel, a popular tourist attraction and location for holidays. Buses also come and go, so there’s no excuse not to come.

In the navy
Den Helder has always had the image as Marine Central. The navy is indissoluble connected to the city. The rich history and the many great ships and events around them is definitely part of what makes Den Helder fun.

Willemsoord
Willemsoord, the place where the French war fleet of 1822 was situated is one of the most historic sights in town. The Royal Navy used the complex up to 1993 and nowadays it’s a great place to eat and have fun. History and food, not a bad combination!

Feel at home
Den Helder is a place where you feel right at home from the start. People from out of town love to come and settle in the peaceful, fresh surroundings near the sea. Fishermen, inhabitant originally from Amsterdam, they all come for a refreshing do over. The martime past is still very much alive in Den Helder, with lots of fresh fish at the markets and in restaurants and a guaranteed delicious night out.

Tourists like it
Not just attractive for out of towners, Den Helder welcomes lots of foreigners on a yearly basis. With as much as 1.5 million touristic sleepovers a year, tourists love the town and its surroundings. One of the reasons is the boat that goes to Texel, known as one of the best islands (Waddeneiland) of the Netherlands.

Entertainment
Many old, historic buildings have been revived into modern places with high entertainment value. For example the cinema, the Art Hall and many restaurants and bars. Big high profile events and meetings can be held in the available accomodations. Culture lovers can go the Japanese garden for a botanical journey around the world.

Market
Den Helder has four different market places, and the most famous one is on Saturdays. Fresh fish, bread, cheese and nuts… but also clothing, shoes and souvenirs, the market is the place to be to get among locals and share the wealth. Besides the one on Saturday, you can also go bargain shopping on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

I see the sea (and seals)!
Many people come to Den Helder because of the sea. You can take a boat and tour the North Sea, but also the Waddenzee, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seal spotters unite here to spot some seals.

Nature galore
If you want to get out of the city, there’s nature all around Den Helder. There’s lots to choose from: the sea and its beaches, dunes, fields and meadow-lands, woods… or go historic and visit one of the pin boxes that are still around from the war. Everything goes in Den Helder and its surrounding sea and nature!

Den Helder is the place to be for a refreshing combination of sea and the city. Would you like to come over, or maybe even work here? Check the vacatures Den Helder for cool job offers in Den Helder!