Voorhaven (Outer Harbor), Rotterdam
The Voorhaven (“outer harbor”) in Delfshaven, Rotterdam is exactly what its name suggests. This harbor was dug in 1389 as part of the construction of the Delfshavense Schie (waterway) between Overschie and the Nieuwe Maas, and functioned as an outer harbor for the then inland city of Delft (separate from Rotterdam).
The very term “outer harbor” means that it lies in front of the actual harbor or canal/lock, and the Voorhaven of Rotterdam-Delfshaven is one of the earliest and perfect examples of such in the Netherlands.
Originally, the Voorhaven was situated outside the dykes (i.e. between Schielands Hoge Zeedijk and the Nieuwe Maas) and the Aelbrechtskolk was the lock. After the opening of the Ruigeplaatsluis in 1875, the Voorhaven was free of tides.
The direct connection between the Voorhaven and the Nieuwe Maas was closed in 1968 by the Westzeedijk. Since then, the connection to the Nieuwe Maas has been via the Achterhaven, the Coolhaven and the Parksluizen.
The very term “outer harbor” means that it lies in front of the actual harbor or canal/lock, and the Voorhaven of Rotterdam-Delfshaven is one of the earliest and perfect examples of such in the Netherlands.
Originally, the Voorhaven was situated outside the dykes (i.e. between Schielands Hoge Zeedijk and the Nieuwe Maas) and the Aelbrechtskolk was the lock. After the opening of the Ruigeplaatsluis in 1875, the Voorhaven was free of tides.
The direct connection between the Voorhaven and the Nieuwe Maas was closed in 1968 by the Westzeedijk. Since then, the connection to the Nieuwe Maas has been via the Achterhaven, the Coolhaven and the Parksluizen.
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Voorhaven (Outer Harbor) on Map
Sight Name: Voorhaven (Outer Harbor)
Sight Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Rotterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Rotterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Rotterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rotterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rotterdam Introduction Walking Tour
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. It is located at the Nieuwe Mass channel's mouth, which leads to the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta and the North Sea.
Rotterdam boasts Europe's largest port and is known for its maritime history, culture, and modern architecture. Its waterway location has earned it the name "Gateway to the World."
Rotterdam's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Rotterdam boasts Europe's largest port and is known for its maritime history, culture, and modern architecture. Its waterway location has earned it the name "Gateway to the World."
Rotterdam's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Cheese Shops in Rotterdam
Although many countries claim cheese to be their unique product, Dutch cheeses are indeed an iconic, standalone thing. Amid a cornucopia of different cheeses made in The Netherlands, there are quite a few internationally-famed ones originated in Rotterdam.
It is therefore only natural to find a plethora of specialty shops in the city fit to warm the heart of any cheese lover, be it a finder, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
It is therefore only natural to find a plethora of specialty shops in the city fit to warm the heart of any cheese lover, be it a finder, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Delfshaven District Walking Tour
Part of the old city of Rotterdam, the borough of Delfshaven – situated on the right bank of the river Nieuwe Maas, is rich in history. Prior to 1886 it had been a separate municipality which grew around the port of the city of Delft.
Delft itself was not located on a major river, so in 1389 a Voorhaven (outer harbor) to the south, along with the Aelbrechtskolk waterpass, had to be created to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Delft itself was not located on a major river, so in 1389 a Voorhaven (outer harbor) to the south, along with the Aelbrechtskolk waterpass, had to be created to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenirs Shopping: 16 Genuine Dutch Things to Buy in Rotterdam
Just as any other major Dutch destination, Rotterdam is associated with sea, excellent cheeses, marvelous beer, good food and, generally speaking, good taste. A set of gifts from Rotterdam will duly reflect any, if not all, of these qualities. Listed here are some of the items that might prove well...