Rijnhaven

Rijnhaven: From industrial harbour to a New Rotterdam district

Rijnhaven is one of Rotterdam’s former industrial harbours undergoing a major urban transformation. Located between Kop van Zuid and Katendrecht, this historic dock is gradually becoming a new residential and recreational area beside the Maas River.

The project includes new housing, green spaces, waterfront promenades and an urban beach in Rotterdam, while preserving some of the maritime character that has defined this part of the city for more than a century.

History of Rijnhaven

The construction of Rijnhaven took place between 1887 and 1895 under the direction of Gerrit de Jongh, Director of Municipal Works and an important figure in the development of Rotterdam’s modern port.

Initially, Rijnhaven was excavated as a mooring place for ships unable to continue navigating when the Rhine froze during winter.

However, the municipality of Rotterdam soon decided to deepen the harbour so that larger vessels could also use it.

With the growth of maritime transport along the Rhine and Maas, Rijnhaven developed into an important transshipment harbour for bulk goods. It was later also used as a storage and mooring harbour for inland navigation vessels.

The transformation of Rijnhaven

After gradually losing its original function as an industrial harbour, Rijnhaven became an important part of the transformation of Rotterdam’s southern waterfront.

The development of Kop van Zuid and the subsequent regeneration of Katendrecht completely changed this part of the city. Rijnhaven is now one of the major projects continuing the transformation and connecting these new neighbourhoods with central Rotterdam.

Part of the former harbour is being reclaimed to create new homes, parks and public spaces beside the water.

Rijnhavenpark and the Urban Beach

One of the most striking elements of the redevelopment is Rijnhavenpark, which will transform part of the former harbour into a large green area beside the water.

The project aims to preserve Rotterdam’s relationship with the river and Rijnhaven’s maritime character, combining new buildings with public spaces, greenery, promenades and places to enjoy the waterfront.

One of its most distinctive features is the planned urban beach, creating a new recreational area for residents and visitors beside the former harbour.

New homes in Rijnhaven

The transformation of Rijnhaven also includes the construction of thousands of new homes in an area that, until relatively recently, was used almost exclusively for port activities.

The aim is to create a mixed urban district with different types of housing, combining new residential towers with parks, services and public spaces.

Despite this transformation, Rijnhaven will retain an important part of its harbour identity, with quays, water and views towards some of the most recognisable buildings on the Rotterdam skyline.

What to see around Rijnhaven

Rijnhaven’s location makes it easy to combine a visit with some of the most interesting places in southern Rotterdam.

Within walking distance you can explore Katendrecht, Kop van Zuid, Wilhelminapier and the Erasmus Bridge. You can also walk around the former docks and see how this old port district continues to evolve into a new extension of Rotterdam city centre.

For visitors interested in architecture and urban development, Rijnhaven is also one of the best places to see how Rotterdam is transforming and reusing its former industrial and port areas.

The Rijnhaven Project

The following video shows the Rijnhaven redevelopment project and how new housing, green areas and waterfront spaces are being incorporated into the former harbour.

Discover Rijnhaven on Video

Watch our video with photos of Rijnhaven and discover this changing part of Rotterdam’s waterfront. The video is in English with Spanish subtitles.

Discover other docks in Rotterdam

Continue exploring Rotterdam’s historic docks and harbours:

Rotterdam Docks | Delfshaven | Entrepothaven | Leuvehaven | Oudehaven | Parkhaven | Veerhaven