Vlaardingen

What to see in Vlaardingen, the city of herring

Vlaardingen is located just 13 kilometres from Rotterdam and is one of the Dutch cities with the strongest fishing traditions. Its historic harbour, monuments and close connection with the herring fishing industry make it an interesting destination for a half-day or full-day trip.

In addition to its maritime heritage, Vlaardingen offers parks, museums, waterfront routes and a pleasant historic centre that can easily be explored on foot.

ℹ️ Quick Information
📍 Distance from Rotterdam	Approximately 13 km
🚇 By metro	Approximately 20 minutes
⏳ Recommended time	Half a day or a full day
⚓ Must-see attractions	Historic harbour, Museum Vlaardingen, Grote Kerk and Oranjepark
🐟 Famous for	Herring fishing, its historic harbour and maritime traditions

History of Vlaardingen

Vlaardingen was granted city rights in 1273 and for centuries was one of the most important fishing ports in the Netherlands. Its prosperity was closely linked to the herring fishing industry, which played a major role in the city’s economy and development.

Today, much of this heritage can still be discovered in its historic harbour, museums and the many reminders of Vlaardingen’s connection with the sea found throughout the city centre.

What to see in Vlaardingen

Vlaardingen combines maritime heritage, historic monuments, parks and natural areas. Its historic centre can easily be explored on foot and makes for a pleasant excursion from Rotterdam.

📍 What to See in Vlaardingen
⛵ VL92 De Balder	A historic sailing herring logger moored beside Museum Vlaardingen, offering a glimpse into the city’s fishing past.
⚓ Historic Harbour	Walk around the old harbour and see traditional boats, bridges and buildings connected with Vlaardingen’s maritime past.
⛪ Grote Kerk	The city’s most important church, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages.
🌳 Oranjepark	One of Vlaardingen’s most attractive urban parks and a pleasant place for a walk or a break.
🏛️ Museum Vlaardingen	Discover the history of Vlaardingen, including its centuries-old fishing and herring traditions and the city’s close connection with the water.
🚶 Historic Centre	Quiet streets, squares, canals and historic buildings that preserve the atmosphere of a traditional Dutch town.
🌿 Broekpolder	A large natural area that is perfect for walking, cycling and enjoying the outdoors.
⚓ Historic Stadskraan	A replica of Vlaardingen’s historic harbour crane, located beside Museum Vlaardingen and the VL92 De Balder.

How to get to Vlaardingen from Rotterdam

Getting to Vlaardingen from Rotterdam is very easy thanks to its good metro and road connections. Its proximity to the city makes it particularly convenient for a half-day trip.

By metro

Rotterdam Metro lines A and B connect Rotterdam with Vlaardingen. The journey takes around 20 minutes, making the metro one of the easiest and most convenient ways to reach the city.

By car

By car, Vlaardingen can easily be reached via the A20 motorway. The journey usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Several parking areas are available near the city centre.

Vlaardingen Tourist Information

For current information about museums, events and activities, you can visit the Vlaardingen tourism website.

Is Vlaardingen worth visiting?

Yes. Vlaardingen is a worthwhile excursion for visitors who want to discover a city with a strong maritime and fishing tradition. Its historic harbour, museums, parks and relaxed atmosphere provide an interesting alternative to other destinations around Rotterdam.

Its proximity to Rotterdam and convenient metro connections also make it easy to discover a lesser-known Dutch city with a history closely linked to the country’s maritime development.

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