Nature reserves

Den Helder has several nature reserves which are more than worth a visit!

From De Helderse Vallei you can visit:

The 'Donkere Duinen’ woodland, a mixed forest with a choice of walking routes. If you continue through this forest, you can also reach the beach and the sea via the Donkere Duinen beach access path.
The Mariëndal nature reserve, which is crossed by several walking routes and also offers cycle routes.
The 'Nieuw Mariëndal’ nature reserve, a vast nature area of ponds and marshland where you can stroll to your heart's content and enjoy the sight of Scottish Highland cows grazing.
The Helderse Dunes (De Helderse Duinen):
* The dunes of 'De Grafelijkheidsduinen’, a beautiful expanse of dunes with meandering footpaths that eventually take you to Huisduinen and Fort Kijkduin. The Scottish Highland cows and Koniks horses graze here and keep the area tidy.
* The highly unusual dunes of the 'De Noordduinen', which are literally 'grey' because they contain mosses and lichens. These dunes are also well-known due to the presence of a rare migratory bird, the 'wheatear', and an extensive rabbit population.
Slightly further away, but also well worth a visit, is the Wadden Sea, which has been designated one of the Netherlands' 'World Heritage Sites'. More information can be found here: www.beleefdewaddennatuur.nl.

< back to overview