Den Helder is an industrial port town located in the province of North Holland within the Netherlands. It occupies the northernmost point of the North Holland peninsula, serving as a critical maritime hub for the country. The settlement functions primarily as the main base for the Royal Netherlands Navy and operates as an important civilian port. Its strategic position on the coast defines its administrative and economic role in the region.

The area's earliest inhabited site was Huisduinen, attested in the ninth century, while the village of Helder emerged around 1500. Originally named simply Helder, the official name changed to Den Helder in 1928. The town evolved from a fishing community into a naval stronghold after the Dutch navy established its presence following the Napoleonic era. Fortifications were built during French occupation, and the harbor was developed through extensive engineering works starting in the late eighteenth century.

The city features distinct districts such as Oud-Den Helder, Nieuwstad, and Willemsoord, which expanded along canal networks. Notable landmarks include the Lange Jaap lighthouse, a sixty-three-meter cast-iron structure built in 1877, and the Fortifications of Den Helder. The historic center shifted over time, with early wooden churches replaced by stone structures. The Atlantic Wall construction during World War II led to the demolition of many older buildings along the sea dike.

Den Helder serves as a transportation link to the Wadden island of Texel via the Royal TESO ferryboat service. The town's history includes significant naval heritage, attracting visitors interested in maritime history and military sites. The presence of the navy has historically provided stable employment, influencing the local culture and community life. Tourists can explore the preserved forts and learn about the city's role in Dutch naval history.

The population was recorded at 56,582 as of 2021. The economy has traditionally relied on the navy, fishing, and port activities, though it faced declines during the Great Depression and post-war periods. Transport access is facilitated by two train stations, Den Helder and Den Helder Zuid, connecting the town to Amsterdam and Utrecht. The city's development was significantly impacted by the opening of the North Sea Canal in 1876.