The Navy Museum (Marinemuseum) in Den Helder, Netherlands, offers an immersive exploration of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s history and operations. The museum is situated on the historic Willemsoord naval shipyard, providing a fitting backdrop for its extensive maritime exhibits.
Marinemuseum (Navy Museum)
Hoofdgracht 3
1781 AA Den Helder
+31 85 016 3690
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
| 283 | Westland SH-14D Lynx |
Highlights of the Marinemuseum
- Submarine Tonijn: Experience life aboard the only publicly accessible Dutch submarine, preserved in its original state. Former crew members share firsthand accounts of their missions during the Cold War.
- Ram Ship Schorpioen: Explore this 19th-century ironclad warship, which has been meticulously restored and is now a prominent exhibit at the museum.
- Minesweeper Abraham Crijnssen: Discover the unique story of this vessel, which famously evaded enemy detection during World War II by disguising itself as a tropical island.
- Bridge of De Ruyter: Get an up-close look at the bridge section of the guided missile frigate De Ruyter, offering insights into modern naval technology.
- Navy Games Exhibition: Engage with interactive displays that showcase the role of gaming in naval training and strategy, including simulations and classic naval games.
- Westland Lynx helicopter: For many years, the Lynx helicopter of the Naval Air Service was a familiar sight aboard naval ships. Deployed for reconnaissance missions, anti-submarine warfare and transport, this versatile helicopter was indispensable at sea.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Marinemuseum is designed to be engaging for visitors of all ages, featuring hands-on exhibits, storytelling sessions with former sailors, and special children’s workshops during school holidays. Its commitment to interactive learning has earned it the “Kidsproof” designation.