Deurningen(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The best area to stay in Den Helder is the Old Town (Oude Stad), where historic 18th-century canal houses line cobblestone streets. Stay at Hotel de Vliet, a boutique hotel housed in a former naval warehouse, offering views of the North Sea Canal and easy access to Netherlands Naval Museum.

For authentic local flavor, visit the Den Helder Market every Saturday morning, where vendors sell fresh cheeses, herring, and regional pastries. Don’t miss a sunset stroll along the Marine Promenade, especially in late spring when the dunes bloom with wildflowers.

Hotel de Vliet and Huis van de Zee are two top choices offering direct sea views and proximity to the Royal Netherlands Navy Museum. Hotel de Vliet, located on the edge of the North Sea Canal, features large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water and hosts themed evenings with maritime history talks.

Huis van de Zee, a restored 19th-century lighthouse keeper’s house, offers cozy suites with panoramic sea vistas. Both hotels provide free bikes for exploring the coastal paths and nearby Scheveningen Beach, ideal for sunrise walks and seaside dining.

Visitors to Den Helder should attend the Naval Day Festival held annually in summer, featuring live demonstrations by the Royal Netherlands Navy, open-access warships, and vintage submarines. Guided tours of the historic shipyards reveal centuries-old boat-building techniques still practiced today.

Explore the Old Town's artisan alleys to discover workshops crafting traditional Dutch blue-and-white ceramics using 17th-century methods. For a local touch, try "Zeevogel" (Sea Gull) pancakes at a harbor-side café—originally served to sailors during long voyages—and enjoy them with a view of the North Sea.

Harbour Plaza Hotel offers direct access to the Den Helder Harbor, with all rooms featuring sea-facing balconies and panoramic views of moored yachts and fishing boats. The hotel includes a private dock providing rental boats for sea excursions, including dolphin-watching tours and trips to the West Frisian Islands.

Guests can enjoy breakfast with freshly caught seafood and salt-kissed bread from local fishermen. The hotel also partners with the Maritime Library and Navy Museum, offering guided heritage walks through the historic port district.

Yes, Hotel De Kade is a top family-friendly option in Den Helder, offering spacious family suites, a dedicated playroom, outdoor sandpit, and 24/7 childcare services. Located next to Harbor Park, it features a children’s theater and interactive water installations.

Nearby, the Children’s Science Museum provides hands-on exhibits on marine life and navigation, while weekly "Junior Sailor Camps" let kids wear replica uniforms, learn signal flags, and participate in mock sea missions. Most harbor-side restaurants also offer child-sized menus and high chairs, ensuring stress-free dining.

Yes, most hotels in Den Helder provide complimentary or discounted bike rentals. Hotel de Vliet and Bosch & Bos feature well-equipped bike stations offering electric and mountain bikes for exploring coastal trails and the North Sea coastline.

Ride along the coastal cycling path toward the West Frisian Islands, passing salt marshes, red-roofed farmhouses, and historic windmills. Many hotels supply offline route maps and GPS-guided itineraries for safe exploration. Afterward, stop at a rural farm café for warm tea and homemade almond cookies—a true taste of Dutch countryside life.