In the locality
In the locality
After an impressive day at Portlantis, in the mood for even more port? Then we have some great tips for you.
After an impressive day at Portlantis, in the mood for even more port? Then we have some great tips for you.
Artwork
Looking at art on the beach? That’s possible, too! From P3, you can see an impressive work of art in the dunes: The Zandwacht. Accessible on foot, this artwork depicts how dunes are formed by wind and sand. The Zandwacht marks the completion of construction of Maasvlakte 2. It was developed by the Rotterdam-based artist collective Observatorium. Crazy about photography? Don’t forget your camera!
Ship-spotting
Inland vessels, container giants, tankers, cruise ships. Many types of vessel pass through the Rotterdam port area. The Maasvlakte features some great locations for spotting them and taking photographs, such as Slag Maasmond, the entrance to the port of Rotterdam. An average of 80 seagoing vessels enter the port here every day. Why not then enjoy a tasty snack at the Smickel-Inn snack bar, aka the ‘Balcony of Europe’?
Maasvlakte beach
Build sandcastles, sunbathe and swim, kite surf or take a brisk walk. It’s all possible on the Maasvlakte beach. Maasvlakte 2 has miles of beach for a variety of users. Whether you’re a sun worshipper, sporty kiter or looking for a place to get a breath of fresh air with the dog, Maasvlakte beach has it all.
You can park for free in the various parking lots. The very active can visit the sport beach at P5 and P6. North of P1 you will find a nudist beach. Sun worshippers and swimmers can visit the beach off P1 to P3. Between P2 and P3 you will find the rescue team. And are you curious about the ancient finds you can make on the Maasvlakte beach? Then check out the fossil expedition.
Birdwatching
Are you a birder? You’ll find some great spots for birdwatching near P6, but south of the Slufter is ideal, too. Or take a look at Bird Valley on Prinses Máximaweg. On this 21-acre site, birds have lots of space to forage, nest and rest undisturbed. At the observation screens you’ll find information about the area, its inhabitants and its visitors.
Cycling
There are some 175 kilometres of cycle paths in the Rotterdam port area. The surroundings of Portlantis are also great for a nice bike ride. Use the ANWB’s Fietsknooppuntenplanner to create your own cycle route.
Portlantis is a great place to stop for a while. Here you can charge your e-bike for free, patch and pump up your tyre, enjoy a cup of coffee, refill your water bottle, and use the toilets.
Hiking
There are also plenty of options for hikers near Portlantis. Enjoy a breath of fresh air on the Maasvlakte beach, by walking to the Zandwacht artwork, for instance. Or take a walk around Oostvoornse lake. Take in the vistas over the water, wander past Tauros cattle in the Geuzenbos woodland, and gaze out across the ‘Slikken van Voorne’ nature reserve. The port is never far away here and is often part of the scenery. Along the way, you’ll encounter restaurants where you can refuel.
In the locality
If you want further tips for exploring the port area, stop in at the Port Pavilion free info point on Schiedamsedijk in downtown Rotterdam. With its interactive projections, the 11-metre long photo montage gives you an overview of all cycle routes, viewing points, tours, attractions, beaches, nature reserves and recreational zones in and around the port. Six large screens pass continually along the wall, displaying – both individually and as a montage – the vistas and contrasts that make up and enrich the expansive 40-kilometre-long port area. HavenHosts help you put together your perfect port excursion.