Delfshaven

Delfshaven Rotterdam: what to see in the historic harbour

Delfshaven, in Rotterdam, is one of the city’s most attractive historic neighbourhoods and one of the few places where you can still imagine what Rotterdam looked like before the Second World War.

Its small harbour, historic houses, traditional boats, the Pilgrim Fathers’ Church and the De Distilleerketel windmill create a completely different atmosphere from the modern architecture that characterises central Rotterdam.

Delfshaven also has a long history connected to maritime trade, fishing, gin production and figures such as the Dutch admiral Piet Hein and the Pilgrim Fathers.

History of Delfshaven

The history of Delfshaven began in the late 14th century, when the city of Delft wanted a direct connection to the River Maas and the maritime trade routes.

To achieve this, the Delfshavense Schie canal was excavated and a small harbour was developed at the location that would later become Delfshaven. As its name suggests, it was originally the harbour of Delft.

Herring fishing and later whaling contributed to the growth of the population and local economy. During the following centuries, the harbour continued to develop, while the production of jenever, traditional Dutch gin, became increasingly important from the 18th century onwards.

Delfshaven eventually became an independent municipality and later received city rights. In 1886 it was incorporated into Rotterdam.

Historic harbour of Delfshaven in Rotterdam — Historic Delfshaven in Rotterdam

The Pilgrim Fathers and Delfshaven

One of the best-known episodes in the history of Delfshaven is connected to the Pilgrim Fathers.

In 1620, a group of English Pilgrims who had lived for several years in Leiden departed from Delfshaven aboard the Speedwell. They sailed to England, where part of the group later continued the journey to America aboard the Mayflower.

The present-day Pelgrimvaderskerk (Pilgrim Fathers’ Church) commemorates this event and is one of the most important historic buildings to visit in Delfshaven.

Piet Hein and Delfshaven

Delfshaven is also the birthplace of Piet Hein, one of the best-known admirals and privateers in Dutch naval history.

His name is particularly associated with the capture of the Spanish Silver Fleet in 1628 during the Eighty Years’ War.

Piet Hein remains an important historical figure in Delfshaven and forms part of the neighbourhood’s long maritime history.

Delfshaven during the Second World War

One of the reasons Delfshaven is so special is that much of its historic centre survived the destruction suffered by Rotterdam during the Second World War.

The bombing of May 1940 destroyed large parts of central Rotterdam, but Delfshaven lay outside the main devastated area.

As a result, walking around the old harbour today allows you to see historic houses, warehouses, canals and buildings that give a very different impression of Rotterdam from the modern city centre.

What to see in Delfshaven

The main attraction is the historic harbour of Delfshaven itself. Walking beside the water and through the small surrounding streets is one of the best ways to explore this part of Rotterdam.

One of the most interesting landmarks is the De Distilleerketel windmill, which reflects the area’s historic connection with milling and distilling.

You can also visit the Pelgrimvaderskerk, connected to the story of the Pilgrim Fathers, and discover the old houses and warehouses surrounding the harbour.

Delfshaven also retains a strong café and hospitality culture, with bars, restaurants and terraces around the historic harbour. During spring and summer, the waterfront is one of the most pleasant historic areas in Rotterdam.

How to get to Delfshaven from central Rotterdam

Delfshaven is located west of central Rotterdam and is easy to reach by public transport. Delfshaven metro station is just a short walk from the historic harbour. From Rotterdam Centraal, you can also reach the area by public transport or bicycle.

Once there, you do not need a full day to explore the old harbour, but it is an excellent area for a relaxed walk, photography, visiting the church and windmill, or stopping at one of the waterfront terraces.

You can also combine your visit with other attractions in western Rotterdam or continue exploring the city’s historic docks and harbours.

Watch Delfshaven Rotterdam

Watch our video with photos of Delfshaven and its historic harbour. The video is in English with Spanish subtitles.

Other docks and harbours in Rotterdam

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