Attractions

While you're in navy mode, visit the Nationaal Reddingmuseum Dorus Rijkers (Dorus Rijkers National Lifeboat Museum), Oude Rijkswerf, Willemsoord 60G (tel. 0223/618-320; www.reddingmuseum.nl), which chronicles the Lifeboat Service's history. The museum is open April to October, and Christmas school vacation, Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm; November to mid-December, it's open Sunday from noon to 5pm (closed Jan 1 and Dec 25). Admission is 5.50€ ($8.80) for adults, 5€ ($8) for seniors, 4.50€ ($7.20) for children ages 5 to 15, and free for children 4 and under.

The Bulb District between Leiden and Haarlem may be better known, but the largest area of bulb fields in the country is in the hinterland of Den Helder -- and the serried ranks of spring tulips look as colorful here as there.