Den Helder is located in the northmost point of North Holland, the Netherlands. As of January 1, 2004, Den Helder counts 59,795 citizens, of which approximately 44,000 live in the city of Den Helder itself, whilst the others live in the towns of Huisduinen (1,000) and Julianadorp (15,000).

The major areas of Den Helder are old Den Helder, New Den Helder, and De Schoten. New Den Helder was built in the 1950s, following World War II when there was a great need for additional housing. De Schoten was constructed in the 1960s.

Huisduinen was founded around the year 1500. Eventually, this town would grow into the city of Den Helder of today. Due to its strategic location, multiple fortifications were built around the area of Den Helder. During the Dutch Golden Age, ships would assemble near Den Helder, from there to sail the oceans of the world.

The French Emperor Napoleon visited Den Helder in 1811, after conquering the Dutch Republic. During the 19th century, the Royal Netherlands Navy established itself in Den Helder, and is present in the city still today.

One of the city's major points of interest in the old naval dockyard of Willemsoord, that is located in the north of the city. It used to be the centre of naval activity in Den Helder, but in modern days, docks and naval administration has moved more eastern, and the old dockyards were renovated to house restaurants, a cinema, and other recreational facilities.

External links

• official city website
• Den Helder map
• Royal Dutch Navy