Rondvaart De Rotte: private sailing on the picturesque River in Rotterdam

The Rotte: the river that gives the city of Rotterdam its name

The Rotte is a river in the north of the municipality of Rotterdam and lies on the Bank of what was once the peat landscape of South Holland. The city of Rotterdam owes its name to this river. In the middle ages, from the twelfth century, the Rotten connection with the old Rhine has stood. On the spot where the Hoogstraat is now located, a dam was laid in the river in the thirteenth century, giving rise to the settlement of Rotterdam. This area is almost immediately built up by the first inhabitants, and with that the origin of Rotterdam has found its beginning.

The name is derived from the Middle Dutch word “rotte”, which means soft or marshy peat soil. The Rotte moves slowly through soft land, giving rise to its name. The origin of the word can also be found in ancient texts: Jan van der Hoeven already described in the twelfth century how the Rotte was connected to the hinterland, and later Jan van Vliet took over the management of the locks along the river. The river has changed over time, but its course still follows roughly the same path as it did then.

Today the Rotte is one of the most important waters in the north of Rotterdam. De Rotte is located in the middle of a landscape of polders, Mills and farms. Along the bank you will find the Bergse Plassen, the historic Prinsenmolen and several locks, through which the excess water from the polders is discharged towards the Nieuwe Maas. An important part of the water management of the municipality of Rotterdam.

For nature lovers, hikers and anyone looking for fun and relaxation in the area, the Rotte is a wonderful source of peace, easily accessible from the city center of Rotterdam. Thousands of people visit the area each year for hiking, biking, art, and park activities along the shore. There are projects on the initiative of the municipality to strengthen the towpath and further develop the Kruisweg as an outlet area. The future of the area lies in a balance between nature conservation and Recreation, preserving the Rotte for generations to come.

Events on the Water sail here all year round, also on Saturdays, with activities for children and adults. On Saturday evening, the lights at the historic buildings are lit on the way, which gives an atmospheric setting. On Saturdays, the tours are often fully booked, so make your reservation in time. The Last edited route description is on this page.