Marine Museum
Marine Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Explore past and present of the Dutch Navy at the Navy Museum. Discover 500 years of naval history in our monumental Main-building. The magnificent collection consists of ship models, paintings, uniforms, weapons and more. Stand face to face with present-day pirates and witness how the navy combats them.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
445 reviews
Excellent
256
Very good
171
Average
14
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Stan P
McKinney, TX53 contributions
Jan 2014 • Solo
I was spending a couple of weeks in Amsterdam and needed the break from the city and decided to visit this place at the last minute. I'm glad I did. Den Helder is a short train ride from Amsterdam and the Marine Museum is a short walk from Den Helder City Center. I wasn't sure what to expect and honestly didn't expect a lot. But like all museums in The Netherlands this one is first class. It begins with a lengthy story and exhibits about the piracy around the African Horn and the Dutch Navy's efforts to combat it. Very interesting and a little different. Many exhibits the kids will enjoy as well. Outside you can see some of the old boats and ships and many more modern sailing vessels in the harbor around town. I enjoyed the museum and very much like Den Helder overall. Wished I could have spent more time there.
Written 6 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David W
Paignton, UK24 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
I have visited this world class museum 9 times whilst on holiday in the city over the last 9 years. I have always had a warm welcome from staff.
The layout of the museum is excellent and covers the history of the Royal Netherlands Navy, which closely follows the Royal Navy.
They have an excellent souvenir shop all at very competitive prices and gift all ages, also a good selection of warship pictures.
A tour of Tonijn and Abraham Crissons and the history of Willemsoord.
Sundays in the summer season there are re-enactments of Dutch Royal Naval history.
A few bits are inaccessible to disabled.
It is noticeable that when school groups are visiting how well behaved and interested the children are, not as here running around and uninterested causing disruption.
A gem for all interested in maritime history.
The layout of the museum is excellent and covers the history of the Royal Netherlands Navy, which closely follows the Royal Navy.
They have an excellent souvenir shop all at very competitive prices and gift all ages, also a good selection of warship pictures.
A tour of Tonijn and Abraham Crissons and the history of Willemsoord.
Sundays in the summer season there are re-enactments of Dutch Royal Naval history.
A few bits are inaccessible to disabled.
It is noticeable that when school groups are visiting how well behaved and interested the children are, not as here running around and uninterested causing disruption.
A gem for all interested in maritime history.
Written 1 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet S
Williamsburg, VA1,107 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
My husband loves all things maritime but this was a confusing place. We entered into what we thought was the main exhibition area. They seemed to have a lot of the same thing in each area. Information in English was limited. Only after exiting the building did we discover there were other parts to the museum. We were on the way out when we spotted the submarine. I chose not to visit but my husband really enjoyed his trip through the interior although two people fell during it.
By this time it was late and we did not have time to visit the other ships and outdoor displays that are part of the museum.
By this time it was late and we did not have time to visit the other ships and outdoor displays that are part of the museum.
Written 1 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravellinVal
Virginia Beach, VA34 contributions
Jun 2014 • Business
So MUCH to see. the entire history of the Dutch Navy can be seen here. A section of the museum has a great interactive area for the kids. I am USN (Ret,) and got in for FREE - my 'target" was the Submarine "TONIJN" (Tuna), and we had a great tour through the boat. Downside - not disability friendly. There are many parts to this museum so allow about 3 hours to do it all.
Written 25 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
navigator009
Amsterdam, The Netherlands432 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
“Cool! Very cool”- told me my 6 years old grandson about this museum.
I have myself marine background and can say that museum is made and run by professionals and gives a chance to be on and in real submarine, to get on the bridge of the ship and gives you impression being as the part of the crew.
Movies, interactive screens, simulators and games delivers you a lot of information.
I have myself marine background and can say that museum is made and run by professionals and gives a chance to be on and in real submarine, to get on the bridge of the ship and gives you impression being as the part of the crew.
Movies, interactive screens, simulators and games delivers you a lot of information.
Written 12 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amcD300
Maisieres, Belgium13 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
We visited the Dutch Naval Museum in Den Helder today and had a wonderful time. As a family of 5 with three young children (13, 11 & 8) it is often difficult to find an attraction that appeals to the wide age span yet I would highly recommend this place to all. Located in the historical Naval Dockyard of the Dutch Navy, and one conceived and constructed by Napoleon no less, the museum is well placed to give an insight into a rich national naval history.
The museum is logically designed in sections to take you through the early days of dutch seafaring, through its maritime battles with the British and further afield in the far east, and right up to the modern day via WWII. There are lots of audio visual displays in both Dutch and English, with subtitles in English and German for the Dutch speaking displays. The best thing about the displays are that they contain amazing genuine artifacts collected by the Dutch Navy and not just 'antiques' that many private museums tend to contain. Of particular note are the many generations of weapons, engineering and seafaring artifacts, as well as a number of fun and informative interactive 'games'...something that all ages will enjoy.
The main attraction of the museum is the Tonjin submarine and this lives up to the 'hype'. The boat is perfectly preserved and a pleasure to visit. Moreover inside there were two ex-naval submariners, one of who served 4 years on the Tonjin and gave an amazing account of life on board. Access to the submarine is, as you would expect, via a number of ladders and narrow hatches however good hand rails were in place and even my 8 year old managed it with some care.
Also on offer were two mothballed sailing vessels - one is a steam-powered iron ship and another a WWII-era minesweeper. Both are well presented, manned by pleasant and well informed guides, and extremely interesting to visit. Last but not least, the bridge section of the Frigate De Ruyter was on site, and you are able to walk around the three floors of this former flagship, including an inspection of the world's first operational 3D radar!
All in all this was a fantastic day out for our family and very cheap too - we paid 30 Euros for a top attraction and felt that given the quality of the displays, the amount to see and do, and the amount of time we spent (almost 4 hours and we in no way read everything) it was great value for money. One thing to note - it is closed on Mondays at this time of year (February) so check out the opening hours.
Highly recommended.
The museum is logically designed in sections to take you through the early days of dutch seafaring, through its maritime battles with the British and further afield in the far east, and right up to the modern day via WWII. There are lots of audio visual displays in both Dutch and English, with subtitles in English and German for the Dutch speaking displays. The best thing about the displays are that they contain amazing genuine artifacts collected by the Dutch Navy and not just 'antiques' that many private museums tend to contain. Of particular note are the many generations of weapons, engineering and seafaring artifacts, as well as a number of fun and informative interactive 'games'...something that all ages will enjoy.
The main attraction of the museum is the Tonjin submarine and this lives up to the 'hype'. The boat is perfectly preserved and a pleasure to visit. Moreover inside there were two ex-naval submariners, one of who served 4 years on the Tonjin and gave an amazing account of life on board. Access to the submarine is, as you would expect, via a number of ladders and narrow hatches however good hand rails were in place and even my 8 year old managed it with some care.
Also on offer were two mothballed sailing vessels - one is a steam-powered iron ship and another a WWII-era minesweeper. Both are well presented, manned by pleasant and well informed guides, and extremely interesting to visit. Last but not least, the bridge section of the Frigate De Ruyter was on site, and you are able to walk around the three floors of this former flagship, including an inspection of the world's first operational 3D radar!
All in all this was a fantastic day out for our family and very cheap too - we paid 30 Euros for a top attraction and felt that given the quality of the displays, the amount to see and do, and the amount of time we spent (almost 4 hours and we in no way read everything) it was great value for money. One thing to note - it is closed on Mondays at this time of year (February) so check out the opening hours.
Highly recommended.
Written 9 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NW_Raven
British Columbia, Canada929 contributions
Sept 2015 • Solo
The old shipyard and basin at Den Helder provides a superb setting for this sprawling open museum. Even when the museum is not open, one can walk the wharves surrounded by all kinds of boats and ships. During opening hours, one can walk through a real 1960s submarine, get up on the bridge of a cold war frigate, board a ram ship, and view some excellent displays on the modern navy, including a truly memorable room devoted to the anti-piracy mission off Somalia. The old shipyard buildings provide an authentic backdrop. Worth a visit. Family friendly.
Written 21 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
memberHolland
Holland642 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
This museum is outside the center of the city of Den Helder. On sundays all the shops are closed but the museum is open. On mondays the museum is closed.
This museum is part of the Dutch ministry of defense. The highlight of the visit is the big submarine that can be vistited inside. There are also a couple of other ships. Our children enjoyed the visit very much because of the submarine.
Normal entrance for an adult is 6 euro, 15 euro for a family of four. Entrance is free for people who have bought a museumkaart.
If you want to visit the beach afterwards, it is advisable to go to Den Helder South, for example the "Donkere Duinen" or the beach of Julianadorp.
This museum is part of the Dutch ministry of defense. The highlight of the visit is the big submarine that can be vistited inside. There are also a couple of other ships. Our children enjoyed the visit very much because of the submarine.
Normal entrance for an adult is 6 euro, 15 euro for a family of four. Entrance is free for people who have bought a museumkaart.
If you want to visit the beach afterwards, it is advisable to go to Den Helder South, for example the "Donkere Duinen" or the beach of Julianadorp.
Written 25 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Tipperary, Ireland297 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Interesting to see the audio visual Dutch attack on London . Submarine was worthwhile too. The Dutch navy deserves respect! It’s easy for us Brits to dream that we are the only ones with a navy.
Written 23 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
interceptpubs
Columbus, IN974 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Having recently visited the combined army and air force museum in Soesterberg, we thought we'd drive up to Den Helder to see the navy museum. The museum complex consists of exhibits in two buildings, the Cold War-era submarine HNLMSTonijn, and the preserved bridge, radar dome, and gun turret of the frigate HNLMS De Ruyter.
The exhibits cover the history of the Dutch navy from its glory days in 17th century when it was a dominant world power through its decline in the 18th century, mixed fortunes in the 19th century, and finally its rocky course during the 20th century, including disastrous battles in the Pacific during World War II and integration into NATO during the Cold War. There are many interesting artifacts, paintings, etc. that highlight the rise, fall, and rise again of the Dutch navy over the centuries, including interactive elements and videos to help tell the story. While some general information panels are presented in both English and Dutch and some of the movies offer headsets with English and German soundtracks, all of the artifact captions are in Dutch only which makes understanding their significance difficult for non-Dutch speaking visitors.
The submarine offers an interesting look at post-war Diesel boat design as visitors can climb through it from stem to stern. There are even a few docents onboard who can answer questions. Unfortunately, only the bridge and radar dome of the frigate can be toured as the rest of the ship has been scrapped - the radar is somewhat interesting though as it is an early example of a 3D system that simultaneously provides range and altitude information on targets, sort of a 60s precursor to the Aegis phased array system used on modern warships.
Be sure to visit both buildings of exhibits - we actually found the exhibits in the ordnance repair shop on the daring raid of the Dutch on the British fleet anchorage at Chatham during the second Anglo-Dutch War and the disastrous defeat of Dutch and Allied naval forces at the Battle of the Java Sea during the early days of World War II to be the most interesting.
Overall, we spent about two hours here and found it well worth the 10 euro admission fee. We only wish they'd take the time to translate all of the captions for the exhibits into English to make life easier for foreign guests (which is why we docked them one "star").
The exhibits cover the history of the Dutch navy from its glory days in 17th century when it was a dominant world power through its decline in the 18th century, mixed fortunes in the 19th century, and finally its rocky course during the 20th century, including disastrous battles in the Pacific during World War II and integration into NATO during the Cold War. There are many interesting artifacts, paintings, etc. that highlight the rise, fall, and rise again of the Dutch navy over the centuries, including interactive elements and videos to help tell the story. While some general information panels are presented in both English and Dutch and some of the movies offer headsets with English and German soundtracks, all of the artifact captions are in Dutch only which makes understanding their significance difficult for non-Dutch speaking visitors.
The submarine offers an interesting look at post-war Diesel boat design as visitors can climb through it from stem to stern. There are even a few docents onboard who can answer questions. Unfortunately, only the bridge and radar dome of the frigate can be toured as the rest of the ship has been scrapped - the radar is somewhat interesting though as it is an early example of a 3D system that simultaneously provides range and altitude information on targets, sort of a 60s precursor to the Aegis phased array system used on modern warships.
Be sure to visit both buildings of exhibits - we actually found the exhibits in the ordnance repair shop on the daring raid of the Dutch on the British fleet anchorage at Chatham during the second Anglo-Dutch War and the disastrous defeat of Dutch and Allied naval forces at the Battle of the Java Sea during the early days of World War II to be the most interesting.
Overall, we spent about two hours here and found it well worth the 10 euro admission fee. We only wish they'd take the time to translate all of the captions for the exhibits into English to make life easier for foreign guests (which is why we docked them one "star").
Written 11 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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