Water, Port & Harbours - Rotterdam

Water, Port & HarboursGuide was updated: April 7, 2024

As a port city, Rotterdam has unbreakable ties to the water, from the Maas River that flows right through the city to the many (historic) city harbours like Delfshaven. The city flows — courtesy of the Maas — seamlessly over into its industrial port that stretches for 40 kilometres to the Maasvlakte 2 and Hoek van Holland.

Maritime Museum Rotterdam

The Rotterdam Maritime Museum brings the seafaring world of the past, present and the future to life. As well as its permanent collection, there are special exhibitions, events and guided tours on offer. The history of the Netherlands is covered with special attention being paid to the role of Rotterdam as a world port.

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Historic Delfshaven

This picturesque yacht marina is one of the few parts of the old city that survived the 1940 bombardment of Rotterdam. It has a remarkable history, both as the departure point from which the Pilgrim Fathers sailed for America and as the birthplace of prominent Dutch maritime hero Piet Hein. The historic canal houses now hold cosy shops selling antiques and bric-a-brac, as well as lovely cafés and restaurants like brewery De Pelgrim and café De Oude Sluis.

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Keringhuis Public Water Center — Maeslantkering

The Keringhuis is the information centre for flood risk management in Zuid-Holland and the impressive Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier. The Dutch Delta Works are extremely important for the protection of our country against flooding, especially in the provinces Zeeland, Zuid-Holland and Noord-Brabant. The Delta Works construction is unique and therefore receives a lot of international attention. The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier (Maeslantkering) is the last part of the Delta Works. It is the largest movable flood barrier in the world. This impressive construction can’t be described in words, only experienced!

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Rotterdam Beach — Hoek van Holland

When the sun is out, there is nothing as refreshing as water, and there is plenty of that in Rotterdam! From the Nieuwe Maas River that flows right through the city to the lively city harbours. Do you long for a dip in the sea? In no time at all, you are lying on the beach at Hoek van Holland. This expansive stretch of beach is also part of Rotterdam. Sea, beach, dunes, promenade, harbour, polders and attractions: Hoek van Holland is very versatile. In the summer, it’s a pleasant, bustling seaside resort. However, Hoek van Holland is also attractive to visit in the other seasons. With a great cultural offering, a diverse hinterland, and giant ships from the international Port of Rotterdam passing by.

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Maasvlakte Beach

New beach and dunes protect the Maasvlakte 2 from the North Sea in the west. There are plenty of opportunities for recreation on the Maasvlakte beach. Enjoy the quiet and the space to swim, sunbathe and stroll along the beach. Dogs are welcome if on a leash. A 500-metre stretch of beach at the northernmost entrance is reserved for nudist recreation. Have fun with a kite, surfboard or cast out your fishing rod at the sports beach situated on the northern beach.

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