About Rotterdam
IN THIS SECTION
Statistics & Geography
Rotterdam
Introduction
Culture & Architecture
Climate
Statistics and Geography
Official name: Kingdom of the Netherlands, Constitutional Monarchy
Capital: Amsterdam, The Hague is the centre of Government
Area Total: 41,525 sq km; Water: 7,643 sq km; Land: 33,883 sq km
Climate: Temperate; Marine; cool summers and mild to cold winters, experience some snow February March time
Location: Western Europe, bordering North Sea
Geographic coordinates: 52 30 N, 5 45 E
Land Boundaries: Bordered by Belgium to the south and Germany to east
Coastline: 451 km of coastline
Terrain: Mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); with some hills in the south east
Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7m; Highest point: Vaalserberg 322m
Rotterdam Introduction
Rotterdam is located at the mouth of two of Europe’s greatest rivers, the Rhine from Germany and the Meuse from France. It was the largest port in the world up until 2004 but is now the second largest, and is situated on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas river. It is this river that divides Rotterdam into two parts; Rotterdam-north and Rotterdam-south. These two sections are linked through various tunnels and bridges for all modes of transport.
Culture and Architecture
Thanks to the WWII bombings, Rotterdam is a very modern city with much being built since the end of the war. The city centre was almost leveled during German bombing raids at the beginning of the war (May 1940), as a result the city lost most of it's old character buildings and districts. Some pockets still remain but since the 1950's Rotterdam was rebuilt and regenerated into a very modern, architecturally driven city, some would say that this has been to the detriment of the spirit of the city. However, you can still find some historic sections and buildings around that escaped the bombing dotted in and around Rotterdam - Historic Delfshaven (the place where the Pilgrim fathers left for America), Kralingen, Hillegersberg and the odd building within the city centre.
Initially, building commenced without a cohesive plan but from the 1980's on, local councils developed a strategy to change this. Make up your own mind as to whether they succeeded. Rotterdam is an uncompromisingly modern city and the building design is generally quite brutal, it does have a heart, you just have to know where to find it and make it your own. Architectural tours of the city are available (City Safari, Downtown, Museum Park, Water City). Aside from the architecture, Rotterdam has an impressive selection of public sculptural works, these can been seen all around the city, the discovery is the fun part. The cultural district of the city centers around Witte de Withstraat and the Museum district with numerous galleries, museums and artist ateliers and design shops. You will also find the Dutch Photo Museum and Kuntsthall gallery in this area. For commercial galleries and artist run collectives visit the Nieuwe Binnenweg area.
Throughout the year there are many festivals and events (but more so during the Summer months); Summer Carnival, International Film Festival, Dance Parade, Dunya Festival, Poetry International and the International Architecture Biennale.
Climate
The Netherlands has a temperate, marine climate. The climate websites will tell you that the "summers are mild and the winters cool with rain experienced throughout the year". Statisticians will tell you that the average peak summer temperature is 20°C/68°F, average lowest winter temperature is 1°C/34°F.
Residents will tell you however, it rains an awful lot (wettest months are July and August) throughout the year and in summer the temperatures can reach to the late 20's/mid 70's. Winter can get very cold indeed and you will experience some snow, although much of the cold brings from hail and sleet.