bridge
Erasmusbrug
Rotterdam's swan-necked cable-stayed bridge soars over the Maas, a striking modern icon glowing over the river at night.
2 km · about 5 min drive
EuropeNetherlandsSouth Holland
Rotterdam
South Holland, Netherlands · Europe
About Rotterdam
Rotterdam works well as a base: 5 minutes from Carnisse, 29km from Biesbosch National Park.
Rotterdam is in South Holland, Netherlands, with about 870,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Carnisse, about 4 km away.
Rotterdam ( ROT-ər-dam, UK also ROT-ər-DAM; Dutch: [ˌrɔtərˈdɑm] ) is the second-largest city in the Netherlands by population and the largest by area (319.4 km2). It is in the province of South Holland, part of the North Sea mouth of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta, via the New Meuse inland shipping channel, dug toRead more
connect to the Meuse at first and now to the Rhine.
Rotterdam's history goes back to 1270, when a dam was constructed in the Rotte. In 1340, Rotterdam was granted city rights by William IV, Count of Holland.
The Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan area, with a population of approximately 2.7 million, is the 10th-largest in the European Union and the most populous in the country.
A major logistic and economic centre, Rotterdam is Europe's largest seaport. In 2022, Rotterdam had a population of 655,468 and is home to over 180 different nationalities.
Rotterdam is known for its university, riverside setting, lively cultural life, maritime heritage and modern architecture. The near-complete destruction of the city centre during the World War II German bombing has resulted in a varied architectural landscape, including skyscrapers designed by architects such as Rem Koolhaas, Piet Blom and Ben van Berkel.
The Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt give waterway access into the heart of Western Europe, including the highly industrialized Ruhr. The extensive distribution system including rail, roads, and waterways have earned Rotterdam the nicknames "Gateway to Europe" and "Gateway to the World".
Where to Stay in Rotterdam
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Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Rotterdam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Rotterdam?
Within an hour or so of Rotterdam: Erasmusbrug (2 km), Kinderdijk Windmills (12 km), Delft Markt (13 km), Louwman Museum (22 km).
Are there any good drives near Rotterdam?
The nearest famous roads are Brouwersdam, Houtribdijk and Koninklijke Baan Coast Road.
Where is Rotterdam?
Rotterdam is in South Holland, Netherlands, about 4 km from Carnisse.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 868,135
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Netherlands
- Region
- South Holland
- Timezone
- Europe/Amsterdam
- Coordinates
- 51.9225, 4.4792
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Netherlands
Watch for cyclists. They generally have priority.
Full driving guide for NetherlandsTags
Worth the detour from Rotterdam
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Kinderdijk Windmills
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 19 iconic 18th-century windmills in a quintessential Dutch polder landscape.
12 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Delft Markt
The cobbled heart of Vermeer's Delft, framed by the New Church tower and Renaissance town hall above the famous blue pottery.
13 km · about 25 min drive
museum
Louwman Museum
World's oldest private car collection spanning from 1886 to modern day with over 275 rare and iconic automobiles.
22 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Maeslantkering
Movable storm surge barrier on the Nieuwe Waterweg near Hoek van Holland, with two swinging arms as long as the Eiffel Tower.
22 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Madurodam
A miniature Netherlands in 1:25 scale, with tiny canals, windmills and airports, on the edge of The Hague.
23 km · about 25 min drive
beach
Scheveningen Beach
The Hague's grand seaside resort with a long sandy strand, a historic pier and a Belle Epoque Kurhaus hotel.
25 km · about 30 min drive
national park
Biesbosch National Park
Freshwater tidal wetland of creeks and willow forest between Dordrecht and Werkendam, with visitor centres and car parks.
29 km · about 35 min drive
Driving roads near Rotterdam
- Right hereErasmusbrugRotterdam's swan-necked cable-stayed bridge soars over the Maas, a striking modern icon glowing over the river at night.
- 47 kmBrouwersdamDelta Works dam carrying the N57 between two Zeeland islands, with the North Sea on one side, the Grevelingen lagoon on the other, and kitesurfers filling the sky.
- 53 kmZeeland BridgeElegant 5 km bridge over the Oosterschelde estuary, the longest in the Netherlands when opened in 1965. Its endless procession of arches makes one of the country's most photogenic drives.
- 64 kmOosterscheldekeringThe colossal storm-surge barrier crossing the Oosterschelde, the showpiece of Holland's Delta Works flood defences.
- 77 kmWestern Scheldt TunnelAt 6.6 km the longest road tunnel in the Netherlands, diving under the busy Western Scheldt shipping lane to link Zeeland with Zeelandic Flanders since 2003.
- 77 kmWesterscheldetunnelTolled 6.6-kilometre road tunnel under the Western Scheldt linking Zeelandic Flanders to Zuid-Beveland, replacing two ferries.
Driving in Netherlands
- Drives on
- the right
- Petrol
- ~€2.04/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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