According to the staff, for now, it will only be open for dinner with reservations, and later on, the cocktail bar will be added.

This restaurant/cocktail bar is located at a height of 190 meters, offering unique views of Rotterdam. It is located on the 57th and 58th floors of De Zalmhaven tower, and is called Celest.

Hans Pfaall

Celest is curiously inspired by a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, published in 1835, titled The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall. This is one of the earliest works of science fiction by Edgar Allan Poe. The plot follows Hans Pfaall, a small and eccentric man from Rotterdam who finds himself involved in a surreal and fantastic adventure.

The story begins when a man named Hans Pfaall, seemingly fleeing from his creditors, decides to escape Earth in an extremely unusual way: he builds a giant hot-air balloon to travel to the moon. To fund his escape, Pfaall distributes several manuscripts around Rotterdam, which describe his escape plans and what he expects to find on his journey. Through these writings, we learn about his adventure and his hopes of fleeing from the debts that pursue him.

Pfaall’s journey is incredibly long, taking 19 days to reach the moon. During his journey, he describes the Earth from space, as well as the phenomena and landscapes he observes from his balloon. However, he never describes the moon in detail. This is because, at the end of his account, we learn that Pfaall is in the middle of a negotiation with the mayor of Rotterdam to obtain a pardon for several murders he committed, and he decides to keep the moon a mystery in order to secure his pardon.

The story concludes with a surprising twist: the mayor grants the pardon, but after Pfaall’s “death,” nothing is ever heard of him again, although some suggest that he might actually be an inhabitant of the moon. The ending leaves open the possibility that the whole story could be a hoax or a fantasy.

The place

Magnicity, a company with extensive experience in such projects, will be responsible for managing the 57th and 58th floors of the skyscraper. Magnicity also manages iconic locations such as the Euromast Tower in Rotterdam and international observation decks like the Paris Montparnasse Observatory in Paris, the Berliner Fernsehturm in Berlin, and the 360 Chicago Observation Deck in Chicago.

The decoration of Celest is inspired by Poe’s fascinating story. The interior has been designed by Doepel Strijkers Architecten. And I must say, the place really deserves a visit. The views of Rotterdam, in all directions, are spectacular.

On the first floor, there is a chill area with a bar and a DJ booth. The main element is a gigantic moon suspended from the ceiling, which can be controlled by a sphere. This moon lights up to display the lunar map and its main points of interest.

On the second floor, you’ll find the restaurant area, tastefully decorated. Additionally, there are private booths for dining. And of course, this is where the kitchen is located.

And I can’t forget the restrooms… yes, the restrooms! They also deserve a visit. I never imagined a bathroom could be so attractive!

After taking a quick look at the menu, I realized this place isn’t exactly aimed at the working class, but it’s definitely worth a visit! I might suggest it for a company dinner. Who knows!

Reservations can already be made through their website. So, if you’re in the mood to enjoy stunning views, innovative cocktails, and a unique experience, you’ve got your plan!

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One day, out of the blue, a Dutch colleague decides to invite you to her birthday party. It’s on a Saturday afternoon, and you think, “Yay, a party!” Since your schedule isn’t packed, you decide to check it out and see what happens. The party starts at four; a bit early by Spanish standards, but hey, who’s judging?

You roll in a little after five to avoid being the first guest and find about fifteen people sitting in a circle at the living room table (you’ll later discover the foreigners call it “The Circle of Death”). There are flags hanging from the ceiling, bouquets of flowers, and presents scattered on the table.

The hostess asks what you want to drink, and of course, you’re thinking, “Is this a party or a tea party?” So, you ask for a beer. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice heads turning in your direction. The hostess then sweetly asks if you’d prefer coffee or tea. Feeling the weight of those curious stares, you opt for tea.

Before she heads to the kitchen to prepare your beverage, she leans in and whispers if you want apple pie or chocolate cake. With any luck, maybe there are three options? Truth is, you’re not in the mood for dessert.

The Circle of Death

Faced with the serious faces and hushed murmurs, you join the circle and brace yourself for the fun. And here comes the torture. No spontaneous conversations; it’s all scripted: “Hi, I’m so-and-so,” handshake; “Hi, I’m what’s-her-name,” another handshake, with zero enthusiasm… Where are you from? How long have you been here? Do you speak Dutch? Where do you work?

More people trickle in, and the word “gefeliciteerd” is repeated not just to the birthday person but to every member of her family. You find yourself answering the same round of questions again.

After an hour of wondering when the actual fun will begin, bowls of peanuts, chips, tomatoes, olives, snacks, and a selection of supermarket goodies appear (depending on whether the closest store is, Albert Heijn or Lidl).

People from all over the country keep arriving: the aunt, the brother-in-law, the nephews who only make an appearance a couple of times a year. Same routine: coffee or tea, a lap around the circle, shaking hands and introducing themselves to each other. The circle stays intact; if you’re stuck next to the birthday girl’s grandma, you’re fucked. There is no escape.

It’s over six-thirty, and finally, wine and beer show up. If you ask for more than three beers, you’ll hear comments like, “You’re drinking pretty fast, huh?” By eight-ish, after a few beers, hunger starts creeping in. You ask the hostess if she’s prepared any dinner, and she beams back, “That’s all there is! I didn’t make anything.”

The music is nonexistent, conversations are boring, and no plans are in sight. After a timid goodbye, you decide to head out for dinner. If it’s getting late, you’ll have to settle for fried food at a Turkish fast-food toko since all the restaurants will be fully booked by seven.

You end up at a bar-restaurant-nightclub until the early hours, remembering the “epic birthday party” you just attended.

That was my first birthday party in the Netherlands; of course there are livelier celebrations depending on who’s hosting.

My advice? If you’re invited to a birthday party and you see chairs arranged in a circle when you arrive, find a convincing excuse to leave early.

Foreign Birthday in Rotterdam

Recently, I attended the birthday of an American friend of a friend. There were chorizos, ham, fuet, cheese, aioli, bread, and other delicacies.

There was even a tray for guests with hash, pills, and other fun substances. In the living room, a mini disco was set up. The neighbours didn’t complain about the noise; they just joined the party instead.

A colourful mix of people filled the small neighborhood apartment, glowing with neon lights. Getting to the bathroom was a mission, as there were always groups huddled in there for a quick “touch-up.”

The fridge was overflowing with wine and booze, and the terrace, piled high with beer boxes, was occupied by people smoking legal goodies and dancing. Now that was a real party! Around four in the morning, I stumbled out, quite tipsy, while the celebration was still going strong.

Traditional Birthday in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, birthdays are a big deal and celebrated in various ways. People often invite friends and family over to commemorate the day with food and drink. Cake is usually served, and they sing “happy birthday” in Dutch (“Lang zal ze leven” or “Hieperdepiep hoera”). It’s also common for the birthday person to receive gifts from their guests.

Additionally, it’s customary for the birthday person to offer something sweet or savory to their friends and family, known as “traktatie,” as a thank you for coming to celebrate. Kids often bring these traktaties to school, and most of the time, they prepare them themselves. I’ve seen some impressive traktaties. At work, it’s also typical for the birthday celebrant to bring cake or pastries for their colleagues.

Things to expect at a Dutch birthday: sitting in a circle with guests, serving tea and cake, congratulating everyone present, opening gifts in front of everyone, and turning into Abraham or Sara when you hit 50. Plus, don’t forget those calendars in the bathroom marking everyone’s birthdays!

Some handy words for a Dutch birthday bash: Gefeliciteerd (congratulations), Taart (cake), Kringverjaardag (circle birthday party), Koffie (coffee), Thee (tea), Hapjes (snacks), Drankjes (drinks), Cadeau (gift), Feesthoedje (party hat).

I haven’t sat in the Circle of Death for a few years now, but apparently, the new generation of Dutch folks is shaking things up. Hallelujah!

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A Journey Inside the Bunker

To enter the bunker, you descend a staircase and pass through two heavy metal doors. The interior has space for 50 people, who would sit on small benches for two people, with basic beds on top. There was a small compartment covered only by a curtain with a large bucket for necessities. When the bucket was full, it had to be emptied outside.

On the tables, there were cans of emergency food rations and water supplies that were replenished monthly. After 48 hours, it was considered safe to leave the shelter. There were also candles for power outages.

The shelter was designed for people who were in the area and could not make it home during an emergency. During those 48 hours, a large hand-cranked wheel had to be turned to purify the air, which was a demanding task. The outside air passed through sand filters and then exited into the room through a tube. In case of chemical or biological threats, a large gas mask would be connected to provide fresh air, creating a sort of bubble to keep out particles or contaminants.

The Network of Shelters in Rotterdam

In addition to the bunker on Westzeedijk, Rotterdam had 17 similar shelters in different parts of the city, built during the Cold War in anticipation of a possible Soviet attack. Almost all RET subway stations were also prepared as shelters. The walls contained compartments with toilets, food supplies, and kits to build beds, while the train cars served as seating places. Most of these shelters were closed, demolished, or repurposed after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989.

There is still one intact shelter in Schiebroek, with a capacity for about 100 people. Part of it is used by a florist to store flowers, and another part has been restored to its original state.

These shelters were intended for the public, and it was expected that each person would prepare their own shelter at home. The Civil Protection Service published a manual in the 1960s on how to build a home shelter. For example, in the event of an air raid, it was recommended to seal all doors and windows with sandbags.

The larger shelters included subway stations, where up to 15,000 people could take refuge. Central Station and the Leuvehaven area had their own shelters. In some subway stations, you can still see remains of the original shelters.

After spending half an hour in this small room (approximately 2.5 by 5 meters), with no privacy and little room to move, I hope we never have to use these shelters. If you suffer from claustrophobia, the 48 hours could feel like an eternity.

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Origin and Inspiration of RIF010

RIF010 is a recent project that opened in 2024 and has transformed how the people of Rotterdam interact with water. The idea behind this innovative facility emerged from the need to revitalize some of the city’s port areas and bring water sports closer to the urban population. Inspired by other European initiatives, RIF010 combines cutting-edge technology with a design focused on leisure and sustainability.

The wave pool was designed to be more than just a recreational space: it symbolizes Rotterdam’s approach to sustainable and socially inclusive urban planning. Using recycled materials and efficient water and energy technology, this project is not only a place for entertainment but also a model of responsible urban design.

Design and Specifications of RIF010

RIF010 is strategically located in Steigersgracht, right in the heart of Rotterdam, taking advantage of the existing infrastructure in the port area. Measuring approximately 30 meters long, 20 meters wide, and with a depth ranging from 1.2 to 2 meters, the pool is ideal for various water sports. Its advanced technology allows waves up to 1.5 meters high, adjustable according to user levels and preferences.

Activities and Experiences at RIF010

RIF010 offers a wide range of activities for all levels, from beginners to expert water sports enthusiasts:

Urban Surfing: The wave pool allows surfing regardless of the season or weather conditions. Waves can be adjusted in size and intensity to suit both beginners and experienced surfers.

Paddle Surfing and Bodyboarding: Besides surfing, visitors can enjoy paddleboarding and bodyboarding in a safe and controlled environment, perfect for those seeking a more relaxed aquatic experience.

Classes and Training: Surf lessons and personalized training sessions are available for those who wish to learn or improve their water sports skills, guided by professional instructors.

Events and Competitions: RIF010 regularly hosts events, demonstrations, and competitions that attract both local surfers and spectators who enjoy the show.

RIF010 in Winter

One of RIF010’s great advantages is its ability to operate year-round, including during the winter months. The pool features heating systems that keep the water at a comfortable temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, allowing surfers to enjoy the waves without worrying about the cold.

The facilities are also heated, with changing rooms and showers that offer a warm and comfortable environment. Thicker wetsuits are available, specially designed for winter conditions, and structures protect the pool from wind and rain, creating an optimal environment even on the coldest days.

Opening Hours and Rental Services

RIF010 offers extended hours to accommodate all visitors, whether before or after work or on weekends.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 22:00

Saturdays and Sundays: 09:00 – 21:00

Available Rental Equipment:

Surfboards and Bodyboards: Various options in different sizes for all skill levels.

Kayaks and Paddleboards: Perfect for a more tranquil water experience.

Wetsuits: Available in different thicknesses, ideal for all seasons, especially in winter.

Life Jackets: Ensuring safety for everyone, especially beginners.

Location and Accessibility
RIF010 is located on the Steigersgracht canal, near Blaak metro and train station. It is easily accessible by public transport and bicycle.

Address: Steigersgracht 1, 3011 ET, Rotterdam, Netherlands. Visit their website on this link.

RIF010 is more than just a wave pool; it is a multifunctional space that redefines the relationship between the city and water. With an offer that goes beyond sports, it includes social experiences and community events that promote an active and connected lifestyle.

Similar Projects in Other Cities

RIF010 is not unique in its kind. Several cities in Europe and around the world have developed similar facilities that bring water sports closer to urban environments.

Munich, Germany – Eisbach Wave: A natural wave in the English Garden that has become an urban surfing icon.

Berlin, Germany – Wellenwerk: An indoor wave pool offering year-round surfing with advanced technology.

Zurich, Switzerland – Urbansurf: Located in the Gerold Areal district, it offers an urban surfing experience with an adjustable wave pool.

Bristol, UK – The Wave: This surfing complex uses state-of-the-art technology to create waves suitable for all skill levels.

Paris, France – La Vague Grand Paris: In development, this project promises to bring urban surfing to the outskirts of Paris using Wavegarden technology.

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