Editing Den Helder (section)

== Naval base and fortifications ==
{{Main article|Nieuwe Haven Naval Base}}
Den Helder was the site of a naval base as early as the 18th century. An Anglo-Russian invasion force landed at Den Helder in August 1799 and captured the [[Batavian Republic|Batavian]] navy there (see [[Battle of Castricum]]). [[First French Empire|French]] emperor [[Napoleon]] Bonaparte, visiting Den Helder in 1811, was impressed with the town's strategic location and ordered the construction of a fort (Kijkduin) and naval dockyards (Willemsoord). The docks were built during the years 1813–1827. In 1947, it officially became the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]]'s [[Nieuwe Haven Naval Base|main centre of operations]]. Den Helder continues to be the navy's main base today. The [[Royal Netherlands Naval College]] is also located in the city, as is the [[Dutch Navy Museum]].

{{Main article|Willemsoord, Den Helder}}
The old naval dockyards of [[Willemsoord, Den Helder|Willemsoord]], located in the north of the city, now house restaurants, a cinema, and other recreational facilities. The naval docks and administration have been moved to a new location further east.

{{Main article|Fortifications of Den Helder}}
The [[Fortifications of Den Helder]], which protected the naval base and the entrance to the [[Noordhollandsch Kanaal]] significantly altered the landscape around Den Helder. A number of the old fortresses have now been repurposed for tourism and related industries and can be visited.