Parkhaven

Parkhaven: Harbour, Euromast and activities by the Maas

Parkhaven is an urban harbour in Rotterdam located between Lloydkwartier and Het Park, close to the Euromast and the pedestrian and bicycle entrance to the Maastunnel.

Unlike some of Rotterdam’s historic docks, Parkhaven combines its maritime character with tourist boats, recreational activities and attractions along the Nieuwe Maas.

Its location makes it an easy place to include when visiting Het Park, the Euromast or exploring the waterfront of Rotterdam.

History of Parkhaven

Parkhaven was excavated between 1890 and 1893 as part of Rotterdam’s port expansion at the end of the 19th century.

The harbour was originally created for the transshipment of general cargo and inherited its name from the adjacent green area, Het Park.

Parkhaven forms part of the connection between the Nieuwe Maas and the Delfshavense Schie. Maritime traffic can still be seen around this area, and nearby bridges can be raised to allow vessels to pass.

Chinese boat in Parkhaven Rotterdam — Chinese boat in Parkhaven, Rotterdam

Boats and activities at Parkhaven

One of the most distinctive features of Parkhaven is the variety of boats that have been used for leisure activities, dining and excursions along the river.

Among the vessels associated with the area is the well-known Chinese boat, a striking floating complex that has been one of Parkhaven’s most recognizable landmarks for many years.

Another popular attraction is the Pannenkoekenboot, or Pancake Boat, which combines a cruise along the river with a pancake buffet.

Other vessels in Parkhaven have also been used for dining, receptions, meetings, parties and special events, reflecting the recreational character the harbour has developed over the years.

Splashtours Rotterdam

Parkhaven is also associated with one of Rotterdam’s most unusual tourist attractions: Splashtours.

This sightseeing experience uses an amphibious bus that first travels through the streets of Rotterdam before driving directly into the Nieuwe Maas and continuing the tour from the water.

It offers an unusual way to see the city, combining a sightseeing bus tour with views of Rotterdam’s skyline and waterfront from the river.

Euromast and Maastunnel

Two of Rotterdam’s best-known landmarks are located right next to Parkhaven.

The Euromast dominates the skyline in this part of the city and is one of Rotterdam’s most famous observation towers. From its viewing platform, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across the city, the Nieuwe Maas and the surrounding harbour areas.

Parkhaven is also home to one of the pedestrian and bicycle entrances to the Maastunnel, the historic tunnel running beneath the Nieuwe Maas and connecting the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam.

This makes Parkhaven a convenient stop between Het Park, the Euromast and a walk or bicycle ride through the Maastunnel.

Things to do at Parkhaven

Parkhaven does not require a long visit on its own, but its location makes it easy to combine several Rotterdam attractions in the same area.

You can walk through Het Park, visit the Euromast, watch the boats in the harbour, take a river excursion or cross beneath the Nieuwe Maas through the Maastunnel on foot or by bicycle.

It is also a pleasant place to watch maritime traffic on the river and discover another side of Rotterdam’s historic urban harbour landscape.

Video of Parkhaven Rotterdam

Watch our video featuring photos of Parkhaven and discover this part of Rotterdam from another perspective. The video is in English with Spanish subtitles.

Visiting Parkhaven in Rotterdam

Parkhaven is located west of Rotterdam city centre and is particularly easy to visit as part of a route combining Het Park, the Euromast and the Nieuwe Maas.

If you are visiting the Euromast, it is worth spending some time walking around the harbour and watching the boats before continuing towards Lloydkwartier or the entrance to the Maastunnel.

For visitors interested in family activities, riverside walks or boat trips, Parkhaven offers a different experience from Rotterdam’s more historic harbours such as Oudehaven, Delfshaven and Veerhaven.

Discover other docks in Rotterdam

Continue exploring Rotterdam’s historic harbours, docks and waterfront areas: