Hellevoetsluis, modern fortified city on the Haringvliet
Hellevoetsluis is a modern, lively place. Situated on the Haringvliet with the sea, beach and dunes close by, it is an excellent place to live. Here, on the extreme southern edge of the Rijnmond and Europoort areas, close to the broad Zeeland landscape, you can enjoy the clean air and countless recreational facilities. For water sports lovers especially, the town of Hellevoetsluis is one of the best in Holland.
History
The history of Hellevoetsluis is from of old connected to the water. Thanks to its strategic location Hellevoetsluis grew from the beginning of the 17th century to be the homeport for the Dutch naval fleet. In later years the port was fortified more and more. Hellevoetsluis became therefore a unique combination of fortified town and navel port. Admirals such as Tromp, de Ruyter and Piet Heyn used Hellevoetsluis as their home base.
In the previous century the channel through Voorne allowed Hellevoetsluis to be an outport of Rotterdam. It was a period when the town grew and flourished; the shipping industry provided prosperity.
