Frequently asked questions

• Are dogs welcome?
  Yes, dogs are welcome at De Helderse Vallei, but must be on a leash at all times and kept outside the animal enclosure and the animal pastures.

• Do you take in animals?
  We receive almost daily requests from owners asking us to take in an animal because they no longer want or are unable to keep their rabbit, guinea pig, chicken/cocks, birds or goats themselves. However we do not take in animals. Our animals live in established groups and other animals cannot simply be added. If you have an animal that you can no longer keep yourself, please contact an animal shelter.

• What is De Helderse Vallei's policy on alcohol and smoking?
  De Helderse Vallei banned smoking in all areas on 19 April 2019. It is not allowed to smoke and vape (e-cigarettes) in our buildings, stables, on the grounds and during our activities (even if they take place outside our premises). This sets a good example for our young visitors and encourages the emergence of a completely non-smoking generation. More information is available here: https://rookvrijegeneratie.nl/
  Alcohol may not be consumed in the grounds or buildings of De Helderse Vallei.

• I lost something during my last visit. Did you find it perhaps?
  We regularly find lost items, such as coats, sunglasses and toys. We keep these items for 2 weeks and then take them to the thrift shop or give-away shop. More information is available at the front desk in the Visitor Centre.

• How do I register for activities?
  If you want to register for an activity, click the activity in our calendar.

• How do I get to the KlimVallei climbing park?
  If you want to know more about the KlimVallei climbing park or want to book, you can click here for more information or simply call +31 (0)619601500.

• Where can I hire canoes?
  If you would like to know more about hiring canoes, please call Kanoverhuur Den Helder on +31 (0)610862338 or click here for more information and the canoe routes.

• Where is the Blote Voetenpad barefoot path?
  The Blote Voetenpad is in the grounds of De Helderse Vallei, behind the Visitor Centre. The path circles around the animal pasture and is about 250 metres long. Click here for more information.

• Where can I go walking?
  If you want more information about the walking possibilities and the available routes around De Helderse Vallei, click here.

• Do you sell refreshments?
  Yes, the Visitor Centre in De Helderse Vallei has a coffee corner where you can buy a range of hot and cold beverages (also to take away). In addition to beverages, we also sell ice cream and various savoury and sweet snacks, such as cookies, apples, raisins and chocolate. All the products are organic. We have a soy ice cream in the range and several products are gluten-free.

• Can I go mountain biking too?
  Yes, there is an ATB/mountain bike route through Mariëndal nature reserve. For more information, click here.

• Can I use a debit card?
  Yes, you can pay with your debit card for any purchases you make in the Visitor Centre at De Helderse Vallei.

• Did you kill the stuffed animals on display?
  No, all the stuffed animals in the exhibition(s) at the Centre and in our natural history collection died a natural death. A taxidermist cleans the deceased animals and then mounts them in an appropriate pose. The skin with feathers or hair is real, the eyes are copies and non-organic material is used to stuff the body. You can see an example of how a taxidermist works in our Centre.