Maeslantkering
The crowning achievement of the Delta Works. Two gates, each as long as the Eiffel Tower is tall, protect the Port of Rotterdam.
The Maeslantkering is the largest movable storm surge barrier in the Dutch Delta Works. It was completed in 1997. Its two curved gates are each about 210 metres long. In normal conditions they are stored in dry docks on the shore, and when a storm approaches they close automatically to seal off the New Waterway. The nearby Keringhuis visitor centre offers free exhibitions on the history of water management in the Netherlands. It is about 30 kilometres from Rotterdam. You can drive, or take the train to Hook of Holland and walk from there.
Opening hours
Visitor center approx. 10:00–17:00 (closed on some dates in winter)
Nearby sights
- Delft Old Town
- Royal Delft
- Van Nelle Factory
- Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp)
- Delfshaven
- Euromast
- Rotterdam Centraal
- Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen