Huisduinen: History, Culture and Nature

If you’re looking for a hotel in Huisduinen, its cultural history and landscape can shape the character of your trip. Fort Kijkduin and the Kijkduin Lighthouse reflect the town’s maritime and military history. The Huisduiner Kerkje adds local heritage and culture to these themes, while nearby walking trails and birdwatching offer more to explore. These different highlights can help you choose Huisduinen according to the interests that matter to you during your stay.

Fort Kijkduin and the Lighthouse

Fort Kijkduin was built between 1811 and 1813 on the orders of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as part of the Stelling van Den Helder. It is an important part of Den Helder’s fortifications and is of great significance to Dutch military history. The fort includes a historical museum, the North Sea Aquarium, underground passageways and a bunker route. Several distinct themes come together at this historic site: the military past, the North Sea and the fort’s construction.

The Huisduinen lighthouse is officially called Kijkduin and is colloquially known as Lange Jaap. It is a 16-sided cast-iron lighthouse. At 55.5 metres, it is the tallest working lighthouse in the Netherlands. Kijkduin is part of a coastal lighthouse system that guides shipping to and through the Schulpengat. The lighthouse is therefore both a striking historic structure and a maritime navigation aid.

Museums, Church and Culture

The Atlantikwall Centrum is housed in a historic building in Huisduinen dating from the Second World War. It presents Den Helder’s role in the German defensive line and the town’s history during the Second World War. During opening hours, the centre offers a photo puzzle trail for children every day. A historical exhibition and this activity offer different ways to explore the subject while keeping the focus on military history.

The origins of the Huisduiner Kerkje date back to around the year 1000, when Huisduinen was still an island. Since 1896, the church has been at the heart of the town. It is recognised as a provincial monument and has a valuable historic interior, including an organ. After its restoration, the building took on a new role as a cultural centre. It hosts concerts, readings and exhibitions; the programme may vary.

The Den Helder Bunker Route also explores the history of the Second World War. The walking route passes through Huisduinen and Den Helder and visits seven related sites. It starts at Galgenveld, where the Atlantikwall Centrum is now located. In contrast, Rondje Cultuur Huisduinen focuses on art and culture, with sculptures, ceramics and paintings displayed in private gardens and buildings, as well as music at various locations and poems at the Dichtershuisje. Participating venues and specific programme items may vary. The 12th edition took place on 31 May 2026 as a cycling and walking route through Huisduinen.

Nature and Trails Around Huisduinen

The Grafelijkheidsduinen area around Huisduinen offers walking opportunities as well as moss and birdwatching around the Harmplas dune lake. Several walking trails wind through moss-covered dune slopes. Birds that can be spotted there include black-necked grebes, northern wheatears and woodlarks. The red Grafelijkheidsduinen Route is 8.72 kilometres long and follows the edge of the dunes to Fort Kijkduin in Huisduinen. These details describe the route and its course, not a walking time or a particular level of difficulty.

Another natural area is the Huisduinerpolder, covering around 40 hectares. This NNN nature area lies between Huisduinen, Fort Erfprins and the sea dike. In the wet polder, the influence of North Sea water can be seen in vegetation shaped by brackish conditions. During high water in spring and autumn, large numbers of curlews, sandpipers and oystercatchers gather there. For nature watching, both the dune landscape around the Harmplas and the seasonal bird populations described in the polder are worth considering.

Another walking route is the Redders op zee Route. It continues to Huisduinen and includes a long stretch along the sea. The Den Helder kitesurfing spot is also in Huisduinen, but is intended for advanced surfers: strong currents and powerful waves are among the conditions described, which are also weather-dependent.

Discover more destinations: Den Helder, Julianadorp Aan Zee, Julianadorp

Return to the main travel guide: Den Helder.