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Location
Hidden from sight as if it were a secret, campsite De Donkere
Duinen is located along the inner edge of the dunes. The beach
is less than 800 metres away and can be reached via a footpath
through the forest. Clean air and an unspoilt horizon are
synonymous with this untouched environment. Hikers and skaters
can stretch their legs and enjoy panoramic views while roaming
through the dunes—views of the rugged coastline of the North Sea
on one side and of grand farmhouses dotting the bulb fields. The
area connects to exceptionally beautiful, yet sadly delicate
nature reserves such as Mariëndal and Gravelijkheidsduinen
surrounding the campsite. |
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History
Back in the good old days…
In the old days, a trip to Huisduinen—the
precursor of Den Helder—was like a trip around the world.
Huisduinen, a whaling town, was miles away from anywhere.
After taking a track boat or a stage coach to the stopping
place known as ’t Zand where the stiff traveller, exhausted
from the necessary hardships, would have to ‘transfer’. Only
during low tide, the horses could pull the coach across the
salt marshes for the final leg. A trip from Huisduinen to
Amsterdam now only takes 60 minutes.
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Surroundings
If
you expect Huisduinen to be a fashionable beach resort, you will be surprised.
With only one beach pavilion, it deserves to be called a place of peaceful,
unspoilt natural beauty. The landscape is dominated by the red lighthouse of
Huisduinen known by insiders as the Lange Jaap. As stubborn waves try to
find their way on the beach, it is a joy to scour the tidemark for treasures
washed ashore by the tide. The Marsdiep is a paradise for fishermen and
water
sports enthusiasts. |
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Straight and winding paths leading through the
inner edge of the dunes take visitors past huge sea
buckthorns, hidden benches, and colonies of sea gulls. The
plant and animal life is precious and protected. Fortunately,
rare plants such as the blue sea thistle are left untouched by
the few passers-by. The busy ports and the vast bulb fields
nearby also offer much charm. Deep purple crocuses, yellow and
white daffodils, dahlias, incredible varieties of tulips and
hyacinths, as well as anemones, lilies and freesias decorate
the fields.
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