Hellevoetsluis

Hellevoetsluis is a municipality with 41,000 inhabitants spanning an area of 46 square kilometers. It is situated 42 kilometers from Rotterdam.

The name translates to “lock at the foot of the Helle.” The Helle was a small local river that disappeared over time.

In the past, this town served as a naval base and played a significant role in the defense of the Dutch coast.

The city was also important for the ships of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), and numerous naval heroes such as Piet Heyn, Tromp, and De Ruyter had their bases here.

Some of the walls and ancient ramparts still exist today.

Highlighted places to visit include:

-The fortress with its walls, moat, and historical cannons.

-National Fire Brigade Museum, showcasing old fire trucks and a collection of firefighting equipment. They also offer activities for children.

-The marinas and beaches. Hellevoetsluis is one of the country’s largest water sports centers, with 2,000 berths spread across five harbors.

-Walking through the dunes and lakes of the Quackjeswater nature reserve.

-Visiting the museum ship Buffel, dating back to 1868.

-The Hoop corn mill, with over 200 years of history.

-The Hellevoetsluis lighthouse from 1822.

-Droogdok Jan Blanken, the oldest stone dry dock in Europe still used for all types of ships.

-Stadsmuseum Oudheidkamer (City Museum).

How to get to Hellevoetsluis from Rotterdam

Hellevoetsluis can be easily accessed by car (via the A15 highway) or public transportation.

From Rotterdam Central Station, you can take the metro to Beurs, and from there, board the metro to Spijkenisse Centrum.

From Spijkenisse Centrum, bus number 404 goes to Hellevoetsluis. The journey takes approximately an hour and a half.

On this link you can visit the website of the local tourist information.

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