Fort Kijkduin — Attraction in Den Helder

Nice little Fort from Napolions time. Good preserved, the entrance (upper deck) is a bit neglected and does not look very promessing but once insede it became interesting. Was occupied by Nazi Germany once as well. Lots of guns at the show cases, nice organized. Including sea life aquariums. The kids lived especially the posibility to tuch and pet the sharks and other sea creatures and fish. The coffe shop is a bit dark and cold, a greater variety of drinks and maybe ice cream would atrect kids and adults. There is an interesting section of preserved sea creatures for biology lovers. The entry was 8 € wich we think was kind of expensiv if comming with a family of 6 (please add a family program) Parking is free (hopefully one finds a spot) Toilets are free, but not many and clean 3/5 Thats why i gave it 4 stars and not 5. In general for those that love the dunes, sea and history it is a sweet little spot. Dont forget to climb out and have a look around, there are ww2 German bunkers on the side of the fort. Kids will love to peek inside but remember there are deep holes-do not fall...

A North Sea aquarium has been located in Fort Kijkduin in Huisduinen since 1996 and has been open to the public 363 days a year since then.

Initially the aquarium was the first in the Netherlands where visitors could walk under water through a twelve-meter long tunnel and you can really experience the sea under water. From the opening, the theme of the aquarium has been fully focused on life in the North Sea.

Because several small aquariums have been set up in the two naves in the fort, a good picture is created of, for example, the tide, seaweed, the life of an eel and the protective colors of rays.

Mid-2014 a partial renewal and redesign of the marine aquarium was started.

Not only the North Sea is discussed, but also fish migration to the Wadden Sea is discussed. After all, Fort Kijkduin is located where the North Sea and Wadden Sea merge. The species kept in the aquarium are found in both areas.

A visit to our aquarium is an exciting and educational adventure, where you can not only see, touch, but also...

Very educational & engaging experience, with wonderful staff!

We arrived on a Thursday at 2.30pm, not sure what to expect. We were received by Julia at the front desk, she recommended we take the audio devices (in English), it was free with the admission ticket. She clearly explained the route, how to reach the additional area featuring the whale skeleton, she was very patient, helpful and overall professional during our visit.

If you enjoy learning the history of such a monument, you can get that here with field models displays, films and actual artifacts!

The Fort is laid out in such a matter that you can see the museum inside, you can also go outside to visit a few other areas (bunkers you can enter) and with a bonus of an aquarium in the fort, featuring a walking tunnel through a fish tank.

We felt the ticket price was very affordable for what was offered at...