Parks and Gardens - Attractions in Rotterdam

The gardens of Rotterdam are located all over town. There are parks for simply taking a stroll in as well as specialised parks, such as the Museum Park. But they all have one thing in common: peace and quiet! And, of course, they also serve as venues for festivals. The parks make a splendid and traffic-free backdrop for songs, dance and poetry.

THE PARK
This name is well chosen. The Park is a magnificent public urban garden bordering the Nieuwe Maas. It is enclosed by Parkhaven, Westzeedijk, Westerlaan and Parkkade. It was laid on the rubble of the bombed-out city and abounds with impressive trees, ponds, streams and lawns. You will also find several very striking buildings in The Park, such as the Norwegian sailor's church near Westzeedijk.
Mention should also be made of the splendid building that now accommodates Parkzicht Restaurant. A little further into The Park you will find the labyrinth and the Heerenhuys (mansion), also known as the Heuvel Country Estate. It dates back to 1800. This estate was added to the Park in 1875. A grand cafe and restaurant are now accommodated here. But it is along Parkhave, just outside the Park, that you will find the most unusual and best-known building in Rotterdam, the Euromast tower. The Park is perfect for a nice stroll or a picnic on one of its sloping lawns.

MUSEUM PARK
The Museum Park, as the name indicates, is surrounded by several museums. Along Westzeedijk is Kunsthal (Art Hall) Rotterdam, in the northwest corner of the park is the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. Opposite the Chabot Museum and the Netherlands Architectural Institute are located. This park, which is small, is open to the public. The various sculptures make the park extremely attractive.
The Museum Park was designed by the OMA Agency of the famous architect Rem Koolhaas and opened in 1992. The Park is explicitly artificial. It does not quite match the ambience of the garden of the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum and the adjacent rose garden. Behind this section the events grounds for the Parade and the Open Air Cinema, are situated. Behind these lie the Romantic Garden and the museum zone.

TROMPENBURG ARBORETUM
The Trompenburg Arboretum is an extremely attractive pleasure garden, which dates back to 1820. It hosts a varied collection of trees, bushes, perennials and bulb flowers. It covers a total of six hectares. Some 50,000 to 60,000 people visit the Trompenburg Arboretum each year. There is a charge for admission. Paradise in Rotterdam!

KRALINGSE WOOD
This is by far the largest public park in Rotterdam. It surrounds the Kralingse Lake so that strollers, joggers and skaters consider it an ideal location. The word 'wood'is a better description than 'park' since most of the vegetation consists of trees. Sailing on the lake is a very special experience; it affords great views of Rotterdam’s skyline. Various types of boats are for rent at the sailing center. Along the banks of the lake you can enjoy the view or dine at one of the stylish and charming restaurants.

ZUIDERPARK
This is a large municipal park located around the Ahoy’ Complex. In the summer months Zuiderpark is the garden for the thousands of Rotterdammers who live in Zuid. Extensive fields, ponds and outdoor swimming pools and footpaths make this an ideal recreational area. A number of sports clubs are located in the park as well.