Huisduinen
Photos from Google
The Lange Jaap lighthouse marks the western tip of Huisduinen, the small village set against the dunes on the north-west side of Den Helder. With one beach club and a compact centre, this is one of the quieter spots at the northern tip of Noord-Holland.
- Beach clubs
- 1
- Avg. rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Nearest station
- Den Helder (4.1 km)
Blue Flag beach 2026
What is the Blue Flag?
Huisduinen falls under the municipality of Den Helder and borders the Grafelijkheidsduinen to the south, a dune area with walking and cycling paths. The beach lies along the North Sea, where the coastline gives way to the Marsdiep and the ferry to Texel. Den Helder is less than four kilometres away, with the centre and the station within easy reach.
The only beach club here holds an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. That gives a sense of what visitors appreciate, though it remains a snapshot that can shift from season to season. For a village of this size, it is a reliable point of call for a drink or a bite by the sea.
The character of Huisduinen differs from that of the larger seaside resorts further along the coast. There is no long boulevard with rows of shops and restaurants; the emphasis falls on the beach, the dunes and the sea. If you want to escape the crowds while staying close to the amenities of Den Helder, you will find a combination here that few places offer.
The Grafelijkheidsduinen are within walking distance of the village and offer variety when the beach loses its appeal for a while. The area runs right up to the edge of the built-up zone and connects to the wider dune landscape of the region. Birdwatchers and walkers come here for the quiet and the views.
Its setting on the Marsdiep also makes Huisduinen interesting for anyone who wants to watch the shipping. From the beach and the sea defences you look out over the channel where ferries, fishing boats and naval vessels pass by. Den Helder has long been a navy town, and that is clearly felt out on the water.
Its scale keeps everything manageable. Parking is available within walking distance; the current rates and locations can be found in the parking overview on this page. If you come by public transport, you travel as far as Den Helder station and cover the final kilometres by bus or bicycle.
Huisduinen lends itself to a day at the beach without much fuss, a walk through the dunes and a visit to the lighthouse. The combination of sea, dunes and the proximity of a town makes it a practical base for anyone wanting to explore the northern tip of Noord-Holland.
Great for
The beach at Huisduinen is wide and slopes gently, which keeps things easy to oversee if you come with children. With one beach club nearby, there is a fixed point for a drink or a trip to the toilet. The Grafelijkheidsduinen are within walking distance and offer an alternative when the children have had enough of the sand.
Dogs are allowed on the beach at Huisduinen, with rules that vary by season. Between 1 May and 1 October a lead is required during the day; outside those times your dog can run free. Check the beach zones below for the precise times and remember the duty to clean up after your dog.
The beach club looks out over the North Sea and the Marsdiep, with the ferries and ships passing by. In clear weather the view reaches the horizon and the sunset is easy to follow from the beach. Book ahead in high season, as the choice on the spot is limited to a single address.
For lunch there is the beach club with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. The terrace sits by the sea, with a view of the channel towards Texel. Because of the limited capacity, it can get busy around midday on sunny days.
With one beach club, Huisduinen suits a smaller group looking for quiet and space. The proximity of Den Helder makes it possible to combine a trip to the beach with an activity in town. For larger parties, it is worth arranging things with the beach club in advance.
In rain or wind the beach club offers shelter, and the Grafelijkheidsduinen remain easy to walk even in waterproofs. Den Helder is close by for indoor activities such as a museum visit. The Lange Jaap lighthouse and the sea defences are worth seeing even when the weather is less kind.
Season & atmosphere
In the summer months the beach at Huisduinen draws day visitors and guests from the surrounding villages, but the crowds stay manageable compared with the larger seaside resorts. The only beach club then becomes the central point for anyone wanting something to eat or drink.
Out of season it is quiet here. The dunes and the beach remain open to walkers, and the sea defences by the lighthouse attract visitors all year round who want to watch the shipping on the Marsdiep.
Den Helder has a number of recurring events, including activities centred on the navy and the harbour. These take place mainly in town, but can affect how busy and how easy to reach Huisduinen is on peak days.
Spring and late summer suit anyone after the combination of beach and dune walks without the summer crowds. The temperature on this side of the coast can feel cooler because of the wind off the North Sea, so an extra layer of clothing is no luxury.
Before your visit, check the opening hours of the beach club, as these vary with the season and the weather.
Practical
Parking is available within walking distance of the beach. You will find the current rates and exact locations in the parking overview on this page.
By public transport you travel as far as Den Helder station near Huisduinen. From there you cover the final kilometres by bus or hire bike.
The wind on this side of the coast can be strong. If in doubt, bring a windbreaker or an extra layer, even in summer, and bear in mind the bright sunlight on the open beach.
There is one beach club in Huisduinen. If you want to be sure of eating there or having a table in high season, book ahead. For more choice of restaurants and shops, Den Helder is close by.
The Grafelijkheidsduinen are within walking distance and offer walking and cycling paths. Stay on the marked paths to protect the natural surroundings.
Allow a little extra time for a visit to the Lange Jaap lighthouse and the sea defences; the view over the Marsdiep with the ferries to Texel is a fixed part of any visit to Huisduinen.
Nearest station: Den Helder Plan your journey →
From Den Helder station it is ±4,1 km on foot to the beach (±49 min). A bus or car gets you there faster.Beach rules & zones
Dogs are allowed on the beach at Huisduinen, subject to the rules of the municipality of Den Helder. From 1 May to 1 October dogs must be kept on a lead between 10.00 and 19.00.
Outside those hours and during the period from 1 October to 1 May, dogs may run free. The municipal authority may also designate off-lead areas. Everywhere a duty to clean up after your dog applies.
These rules are set out in the local bye-law of Den Helder. Before your visit, check the current situation with the municipality, as rules and designated areas can change.
The beach itself is wide and connects to the dunes of the Grafelijkheidsduinen to the south. To the north the coastline gives way to the sea defences and the channel of the Marsdiep, where shipping bound for Texel passes by. Special zones such as a naturist beach are not known for Huisduinen.
Horse riding on the beach
In the municipality of Den Helder, it is prohibited to ride or lead a horse or other mount on the beach during the period from 1 May to 1 October between 9.00 and 19.00. Outside that period, horse-riding is permitted. In dune and nature areas, riding is only allowed on designated bridleways.
Parking
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Last updated: 23 June 2026