The Marinemuseum is the best reason to stop in Den Helder rather than just pass through. The collection spans four centuries of Dutch naval history, with ship models, navigational instruments, and an extensive display on the Battle of the Texel Roads. Outside, moored in the former naval dry dock, you can board a Second World War submarine, a frigate, and a steam-powered ironclad from the 1860s — the latter, the Schorpioen, is the oldest surviving Dutch warship. Allow two to three hours.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00. Closed Mondays except in summer.