Starting Point Willemsoord

Although the naval yard is called Willemsoord, it was in fact Napoleon who ordered its construction, not King William I. ‘Napoleonsoord’ would have been a more accurate name. During his visit in 1811, the French emperor was impressed by the strategic position along the Marsdiep and decided to turn Den Helder into a ‘Gibraltar du Nord’. A system of forts and batteries was built to properly defend it, both on the seaward and landward sides. Hydraulic engineer Jan Blanken was commissioned to design the complex. Work began as early as 1812 and continued under William I after Napoleon’s fall. The result was an extensive yard with a large wet dock, two dry docks, warehouses and workshops. In the 1990s, the navy relocated to the eastern side of the Nieuwediep. The municipality then took over the derelict Willemsoord, restored it and adapted it for current use. The extensive site now houses venues such as the Maritime Museum, De Kampanje theatre and the Dorus Rijkers National Rescue Museum.

• The red Willemsoord Route explores the south-western part of the former naval yard, the Koopvaardershaven and two defensive forts: Dirskz Admiraal and Westoever. It also runs along the Noordhollands Canal and passes the railway station. The route is waymarked in both directions with red arrows.

• The blue Marsdiep Route leads to the northern side of Willemsoord, by the sea dyke, the town centre and the train station.