Fort Kijkduin

Fort Kijkduin is originally a land fort. It was meant to defend Den Helder against enemies who wanted to invade through the sand dike. The fort is located at Kijkduin, which at the time was one of the highest dunes and a beacon for shipping.

The hole in the dune where the fort was to be built was dug by 3600 Spanish prisoners of war whom Napoleon had brought with him during his visit in 1811. Craftsmen from North Holland were obligated to build the fort. The fort measures 60 by 40 meters and consists of eight imposing casemates. Over the years, the fort has been significantly expanded and adapted with coastal batteries and a fire control dome. In May 1940, German troops took over the fort for the naval artillery training. They reinforced the roof of the fort with a meter-thick layer of sand, covered by a concrete layer of about 60 centimeters thick.

In 1996, the fort was thoroughly restored. Since then, the fort has been open to visitors, and you can find a North Sea aquarium, a museum about the Stelling Den Helder with unique pieces of artillery, and a zoological exhibition including the skeleton of Chris the Sperm Whale. You can also get married there, hold meetings, or organize an event. You can even spend the night in the fort keeper's house, nice and cozy!

Fort Kijkduin is open almost year-round and promises a unique experience in a fantastic environment on the coast of Huisduinen.

Holland boven Amsterdam