Entrance to the National Dorus Rijkers Rescue Museum

The National Rescue Museum is a hidden gem in Den Helder. With a VR experience, wind turbine, navigation game and sailing heritage, it offers a unique experience. The museum is a real experience for both landlubbers and adventurers with sea legs. Rescue stories from the past and present are told here.

What is there to experience and do? 

Wind tunnel

• Imagine: a storm at sea with wind force 10! Discover how that really feels in the wind tunnel. Test your sea legs as the air rushes past you. Hair flutters, cheeks tremble and your sweater stands on end! Do you dare?

VR experience

• Dive into a lifelike rescue operation at sea! Step aboard the harbour lifeboat Nh1816 and become a crew member yourself. The pager goes off, man overboard! Together with the KNRM you have to save a drowning person. Adrenaline guaranteed!

Knot table

• Rescuers have to tie knots as if it is second nature to them. Clove hitch, figure eight knot, anchor hitch... Each knot has its own function. Practice and learn how to secure or untie the right rope. It's all about precision!

Hero game

• A drowning person in the water, no time to lose! How quickly can you save someone? Gather the crew, quickly navigate to the right point and succeed in the mission. Get your rescue pass and become a real hero!

Audio tours in and around the museum

• Let yourself be carried away by the stories of the past with the free audio tour. Discover exciting and informative stories about rescue operations, and learn how the lifeboats have developed over the years. There are audio tours for both adults and children.

Sail on a lifeboat

• Seven historic lifeboats are moored at the museum jetty. From April 1 to November 1, you can sail on a half-hour tour of the Helderse inner harbor. Volunteers provide the tour from 12:00 to 16:00. View the lifeboats up close, including the Valentijn, from a raised platform.

For more information about the museum, visit the website of the National Lifeboat Museum Dorus Rijkers.

Accessibility

The museum is located at Willemsoord, the historic shipyard of the Navy. Parking at Willemsoord is free. Consult Google Maps for the exact route from your starting point and for current departure and travel times.