The Helderse Dunes

The Helderse Duinen is a beautiful piece of nature southwest of Den Helder. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in verdant dune valleys flanked by low-topped dunes and woodland. A dune lake completes the idyllic whole. The nature in this area is so valuable that it is protected at European level. The Helderse Duinen is an Eldorado for birds and special plants. Beach centaury, heather cartel leaf, knotweed pondweed and many different ringweeds are luxuriantly displayed.

The Helderse dunes have three sub-areas: the Grafheidsduinen, which were formed from the remains of the old Wadden island of Huisduinen, and the Refugium, which lies like a wedge between the buildings of Den Helder and the nature reserve. Don't be alarmed if you suddenly come face to face with a Scottish Highlander or a Konik horse in these two areas, which are used as natural lawn mowers and fertilization systems. And then there are the Donkere Duinen: a planted pine forest that gradually becomes more and more mixed. It also has an annular duck pond, where wild bog birds can also be spotted.

Our own cultural heritage is also well represented, because you pass one bulb field after another. Whether you come in spring, summer or late summer: the fields form a beautiful palette of colours. A lust for the eye!

On the dike you will come across the Lighthouse of Julianadorp: the Groote Kaap. The tower was completed in 1966 and is 16.8 meters high. In 1985 the tower was replaced by the current one. The fire red color of the tower stands out clearly against the blue sky. The lighthouse is painted white.