Gibraltar of the North, with the sea on 3 sides, Den Helder has a unique location. In 1811 Napoleon saw this spot along the coast as the “Gibraltar of the North” and stationed a naval fleet there. Napoleon had a number of forts built for the defense of the war harbor: Fort Kijkduin, Fort Erfprins, Fort Dirksz Admiraal and Fort Oostoever. These forts were later connected by a line dyke, together they form the Defense Line of Den Helder. Walk in the footsteps of Napoleon and get to know the military insight of one of the greatest strategists that Europe has produced. The route is approximately 11 km. Along the lush route you will discover various buildings from the time of Napoleon, Dutch defenses, but also many German bunkers from the Second World War. The Napoleon Route is marked with wooden posts, on which Napoleon's arm indicates the direction to follow. We wish you a lot of walking pleasure!