Fort Kijkduin

Gibraltar of the North

Den Helder - Gibraltar of the North. That's how emperor Napoleon called the city of Den Helder during his visit in 1811. The strategic city is located near the coast and has a strategic navy harbour. The emperor found the fortifications that protected the city too weak. Therefore he decided to build five new fortifications. Most fortifications disappeared during the centuries. One fortress remained and was extensively restored in 1996. It's called Fort Kijkduin.

Sharks

Located in the basement of the fortification is an aquarium. Here you can see sharks and even touch some of the fish.