Veerhaven

Regattas, old ships and historic buildings

Veerhaven is one of Rotterdam’s most elegant historic harbours. It is located in the Scheepvaartkwartier, a maritime district close to the city centre that was one of Rotterdam’s first planned urban expansions outside the old city triangle after 1850.

The Scheepvaartkwartier was designed by architect Willem Nicolaas Rose and is known for its impressive historic houses, offices and warehouses dating mainly from around 1900. Many businesses in the neighbourhood are still connected with maritime activities, while a large number of the former warehouses have been converted into apartments.

One of the most elegant buildings can be found on the corner of Rivierstraat and Westerkade. Its neoclassical façade gives the building an almost palatial appearance.

Veerhaven is also home to Bureau Veerhaven, the former floating office of the Rotterdam river police. The historic floating building can be visited and is also used for events.

A historic harbour in Rotterdam

The Scheepvaartkwartier largely survived the destruction of Rotterdam during the Second World War. As a result, this part of the city offers visitors a glimpse of what Rotterdam looked like before the war. Many of the buildings in the neighbourhood are protected monuments.

The harbour itself is home to pleasure yachts and historic sailing ships, creating one of the most picturesque waterfront scenes in Rotterdam.

Veerhaven has also hosted major sailing events and regattas featuring modern yachts, catamarans and classic sailing ships. Since 2001, the Race of the Classics Young Professionals has departed from Veerhaven, bringing traditional sailing vessels and young professionals together for a distinctive maritime event.

The harbour is conveniently located near several of Rotterdam’s best-known attractions, including the Erasmus Bridge, Euromast and Museumpark. Along the riverbank you can also find connections for the water taxi, the Waterbus towards Kinderdijk and sightseeing boats operated by Spido.

Because Veerhaven is so close to Rotterdam city centre, it is easy to combine a visit with other attractions. There are restaurants and cafés around the harbour, and it is even possible to spend the night aboard some of the boats.

Historic sailing ships, waterfront terraces and monumental warehouses make Veerhaven one of the most attractive places for a walk along Rotterdam’s waterfront.

Video of Veerhaven

Watch our video with photos of Veerhaven and discover this historic harbour in Rotterdam. The video is in English with Spanish subtitles.

Discover other docks in Rotterdam:

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

Delfshaven | Entrepothaven | Leuvehaven | Oudehaven | Parkhaven | Rijnhaven