Den Helder, The Netherlands

Den Helder is at the northernmost point of the North Holland peninsula and is home to the country's main naval base, it has a lot to see for visitors like the Lange Jaap lighthouse which is very close to Fort Kijkduin (Museum and Aquarium) and most importantly the sand dunes. The sand dunes are my favorite part of DH and offers nice views of beaches, fields filled with highland cows, lakes, forests and winding roads which are perfect for an evening cycle:

The city also has many art galleries and museums such as the Marinemuseum which requires around 4 hours to visit as it has so much to see and do including a tour of some ships and of a submarine (Admission for adults is 6 Euros) The museum is open Monday-Friday: 10.00 - 17.00 hours and Saturday-Sunday (and holidays): 12.00-17.00 hours:

Near to the Marinemuseum is the ferry to the island of Texel, tickets to Texel costs 2.50 Euros for a return ticket and takes around 15mins to travel there. The island itself is very beautiful and flat so perfect for riding bikes and is a very nice day out:

In the centre of DH you will find all the usual shops and restaurants (including fast food like McDonalds) also bars and (of course) coffeeshops. You will find some very nice secondhand shops which change stock everyday because they are very popular. If you have a bike and are in the centre of DH then a nice bike ride (or walk if you don't) to have is to ride from the dike near the Marinemuseum down to the lighthouse and then from there go to the Fort Kijkduin which takes you straight down the the sand dunes. Usually when I do this bike ride myself I see one or two seals in the sea which are a common sight here.