General Cemetery Den Helder

We would like to stay for hours in this cemetery where the rich history of Den Helder is so palpable, but we have only walked four kilometers so we must continue. Towards the old Wadden island of Huisduinen. Not a punishment because the sun is shining and the route goes through the Grafelijkheid dunes, which are grazed by Highland cattle and Exmoor ponies. After a steep climb, we stand next to Fort Kijkduin (also worth a visit) where we have a magnificent view over the sea with the sandbank Razende Bol. Over the centuries, many ships have gone down in the treacherous shallows here. It was also here that the ship 'De Vreede' stranded in 1824. Eleven crew members were rescued. When the last three were brought on board, the lifeboat capsized with the three drowning men and six rescuers. All drowned. Because of this tragedy, it was decided in the same year to establish an organized rescue service: the KNRM.

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