Rotterdam Hisory & Geography Tour

The Dutch have reclaimed over 30% of their land from below sea level. The Netherlands have suffered from flood disasters from sea and river water which has caused many victims, particularly during the 1953 floods when 1850 people were drowned.

The ongoing struggle against the water is evident in its many dikes, dams, and walls.  Land has been reclaimed from as early as the 14th century. The Maeslant Barrier – Storm surge barrier the storm surge barrier on the Nieuwe Waterweg at the Hook of Holland, together with the Hartel barrier, constitutes the final elements of the Delta works to protect the Netherlands has against the sea.

The structure consists of 2 barriers ‘gates’ which protect over 1 million people (about the population of Delaware) in and around Rotterdam. Neeltje Jans – Delta Experience Deltapark Neeltje Jans offers a full day of educational and theme park attractions and activities.

The Delta Works are in a prime location surrounded by the sea, guided tours are available.  The Delta Experience offers amazing exhibitions and stormy attractions as well as an aquarium, Aquapark, boat trips, movies about the construction of the barrier, seal shows, sea lions and birds of prey demonstrations.

Kinderdijk – Windmills UNESCO Kinderdijk is an extensive system of windmills and pumps which drain water from the polder soil into the river which has been used for centuries.  With the improvement of the systems, wind power was paired with steam, diesel, and electrically powered pumping stations.

The vast array of systems is evident at this UNESCO heritage site with its Mills, The Lekkerland polder windmills, The Overwaard Windmills, The Blokweer Polder Windmills, The Nederwaard Windmills, Pumps, Wisboom pumping station, J.U. Smit Pumping Station, and G.N Kok Pumping Station.