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 a single beach club and a compact centre, this is one of the quieter spots at the top of Noord-Holland.
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 on the North Sea, at the point where the coastline turns into the Marsdiep and the ferry crossing to Texel. Den Helder is less than four kilometres away, with the centre and the station within easy reach.
The one beach club here has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. That gives a sense of what visitors appreciate, though it remains a snapshot that can change from season to season. For a village of this size, it is a reliable place to head for a drink or a bite by the sea.
The character of Huisduinen is different from that of the larger seaside resorts further along the coast. There is no long promenade lined with shops and eateries; the focus is 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 can be reached on foot from the village and offer a change of scene when the beach has lost its appeal for a while. The area extends right 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 peace and the views.
Its setting on the Marsdiep also makes Huisduinen appealing if you want to watch the shipping. From the beach and the sea defence 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 noticeable out on the water.
Thanks to its scale, it all stays manageable. Parking is available within walking distance; the current rates and locations can be found in the parking overview on this page. If you travel by public transport, take the train to Den Helder station and cover the final kilometres by bus or bike.
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 exploring the northern tip of Noord-Holland.
Great for
The beach at Huisduinen is wide and slopes gently, which makes it easy to keep an eye on things if you come with children. With one beach club nearby, there is a fixed point for a drink or a toilet break. 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 that period dogs may run free. Check the beach zones below for the exact times and remember that you must clean up after your dog.
The beach club looks out over the North Sea and the Marsdiep, with the ferries and ships passing by. On a clear day the view reaches the horizon and the sunset is easy to follow from the beach. Book ahead in high season, as the choice here 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 capacity is limited, it can get busy around midday on sunny days.
With one beach club, Huisduinen suits a smaller group looking for peace 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 are 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 defence are worth a look even when the weather is less kind.
In the summer months the beach at Huisduinen draws day visitors and guests from the surrounding towns, but the crowds stay manageable compared with the larger seaside resorts. The one beach club is then the central point for anyone wanting something to eat or drink.
Outside the season it is quiet here. The dunes and the beach remain open to walkers, and the sea defence by the lighthouse attracts 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 mainly take place in town, but they can affect how busy Huisduinen is and how easy it is to reach on peak days.
Spring and late summer suit anyone looking to combine the beach with 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.
Check the opening hours of the beach club before your visit, as they vary with the season and the weather.
Parking
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Nearby seaside resorts
Last updated: 23 June 2026