De Nollen, Nature park and art exhibition space in Den Helder, Netherlands
De Nollen is an art project set within a dune landscape near Den Helder, where large sculptures and structures are positioned across rolling sandy terrain. The site features metal installations and built forms scattered throughout the natural hillsides, creating spaces to walk through and around.
The dunes took shape over centuries through wind and water action, and unlike similar areas nearby, they were not converted into farmland. An artist chose this preserved landscape as the setting for a sculptural project in the 1980s.
This place brings together large artworks and sandy hills in a way that feels natural and integrated. You walk through sculptures that have become part of the landscape rather than standing out against it.
The site is open for walking and exploration on your own, though sturdy shoes are helpful given the sandy ground and changing conditions. There are no facilities like cafes or restrooms on the grounds, so bring water and snacks if you plan to spend time there.
An arch structure positioned on a dune top creates a passage where light and shadow shift throughout the day as the sun moves. This architectural element demonstrates how the artworks interact with the site's natural lighting conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
