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Den Helder

Netherlands · Coast · EUR · 52.956700, 4.760000
Family friendly 4.6/10 · Rank 2366 of 2 709
Best season: June-September

Best for

Suitable for beach holiday lovers, nature and maritime history enthusiasts, families with children and anyone wanting to enjoy the quiet North Sea coast.

Best season

June-September

Daily budget
$154.00 (≈ 12 924 ₽ · ≈ 138 EUR)
For 7 days
$1 078.00 (≈ 90 466 ₽ · ≈ 963 EUR)
Den Helder is the northernmost city on the Dutch mainland, located on the North Sea coast. The city is the country's main naval base and the departure point for ferries to Texel Island. This is the perfect place to discover maritime history and coastal nature.
Summer
30.0°C
Winter
1.5°C
Sea
19.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Den Helder residents are friendly and proud of their maritime heritage. Many military personnel and fishermen create a calm and open atmosphere.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Blue Flag certified beaches
  • Rich maritime history
  • Fort Kijkduin with an aquarium
  • Scenic dunes and nature
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • Cool water even in summer
  • Strong rip currents
  • Limited nightlife
  • Transport needed to get around the region
  • Few restaurants
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
17.7°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
19.4°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
30.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
4.6°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
6.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
1.5°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
17.9°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
19.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
October-January
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Duinoord
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Den Helder beaches are Blue Flag certified, water is clean. During jellyfish season, swimming in protected areas is recommended. Beware of strong rip currents.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are not found in the North Sea off Den Helder due to low salinity and cold water.

Corals and reefs — details

  • No coral reefs in the North Sea off Den Helder. Only mussels and other molluscs are found.

Jellyfish — details

  • The Lion's Mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata), causing painful stings, and the moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) are found in Den Helder waters. Peak activity season is July-August. Avoid contact is recommended.

Sharks — details

  • Small shark species, including the catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), inhabit the North Sea off Den Helder and do not pose a danger to humans. No attacks have been recorded.
Attractions

Fort Kijkduin

Historic fort with underground tunnels and a North Sea aquarium where you can see sharks and rays

Marine Museum

Museum dedicated to the history of the Royal Netherlands Navy

Lange Jaap Lighthouse

Historic lighthouse on the Huisduinen coast, symbol of Den Helder

Helderse Dunes

Scenic nature reserve with dunes, forests and hiking trails

Duinoord Beach

Popular Blue Flag beach with lifeguards and cafes

Best areas

Duinoord

Area with a popular beach, cafes and hotels

Huisduinen

Scenic coastal area with a lighthouse and fort

City Centre

Close to the marine museum, shops and restaurants

Must-try food

Stamppot

Traditional Dutch dish of mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage

Bitterballen

Fried meat ragout balls in breadcrumbs, popular beer snack

Stroopwafel

Thin syrup-filled wafer cookie, the national sweet of the Netherlands

Herring

Raw herring with onions, a traditional Dutch snack

Fresh Fish

North Sea fish grilled to perfection

Where to go next

Texel

Island with beaches and nature, accessible by ferry, 20 minutes

Alkmaar

City with a cheese market and museums, 40 minutes by car

Enkhuizen

Historic port town with sailing ships, 1 hour by car

Amsterdam

Capital with museums and canals, 1.5 hours by train

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Ден-Хелдер (DHR).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 36 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 89 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 134 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 179 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽ · ≈ 161 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 80 EUR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$32.00
≈ 2 685 ₽ · ≈ 29 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 3 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$11.00
≈ 923 ₽ · ≈ 10 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$11.00
≈ 923 ₽ · ≈ 10 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.50
≈ 462 ₽ · ≈ 5 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽ · ≈ 8 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 27 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 3 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$11.00
≈ 923 ₽ · ≈ 10 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 45 EUR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$75.00
≈ 6 294 ₽ · ≈ 67 EUR
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Den Helder Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 40 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$11.00
≈ 923 ₽ · ≈ 10 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
Den Helder: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Den Helder: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.0°C, during the day — up to +19.4°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Den Helder: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +1.5°C, during the day — up to +6.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Den Helder: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +19.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Den Helder: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on October-January. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Den Helder: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Duinoord. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Den Helder: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Den Helder: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Den Helder beaches are Blue Flag certified, water is clean. During jellyfish season, swimming in protected areas is recommended. Beware of strong rip currents.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Den Helder: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $154.00 (≈ 12 924 ₽ · ≈ 138 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Den Helder: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $40.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $100.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $150.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $90.00 per night, a villa — $180.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Den Helder: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $14.00, dinner at a restaurant — $32.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Den Helder: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $3.00, a short taxi ride — $11.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Den Helder: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Fort Kijkduin — Historic fort with underground tunnels and a North Sea aquarium where you can see sharks and rays; Marine Museum — Museum dedicated to the history of the Royal Netherlands Navy; Lange Jaap Lighthouse — Historic lighthouse on the Huisduinen coast, symbol of Den Helder; Helderse Dunes — Scenic nature reserve with dunes, forests and hiking trails; Duinoord Beach — Popular Blue Flag beach with lifeguards and cafes. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Den Helder: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Stamppot — Traditional Dutch dish of mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage; Bitterballen — Fried meat ragout balls in breadcrumbs, popular beer snack; Stroopwafel — Thin syrup-filled wafer cookie, the national sweet of the Netherlands; Herring — Raw herring with onions, a traditional Dutch snack; Fresh Fish — North Sea fish grilled to perfection. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Den Helder: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Duinoord — Area with a popular beach, cafes and hotels; Huisduinen — Scenic coastal area with a lighthouse and fort; City Centre — Close to the marine museum, shops and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Den Helder: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Den Helder: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Ден-Хелдер (code DHR). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Den Helder: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $154.00 (≈ 12 924 ₽ · ≈ 138 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Den Helder: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Den Helder: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Den Helder: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Texel — Island with beaches and nature, accessible by ferry, 20 minutes; Alkmaar — City with a cheese market and museums, 40 minutes by car; Enkhuizen — Historic port town with sailing ships, 1 hour by car; Amsterdam — Capital with museums and canals, 1.5 hours by train. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.6/10
Overall rank: 2366 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1346

Best season

June-September

Useful information

Currency: EUR
Coordinates: 52.956700, 4.760000