Rotterdam Explorer walking tour

This scavenger hunt has a difficulty level of HARD. This tour is longer than most of our other tours.

Buy either an individual or a group ticket. The ideal group size is 3 to 6 people, but it is not limited to this. Children are welcome and will enjoy most of the challenges.

After purchase, to begin your Rotterdam walking tour, you will need to head to the plaza in front of City Hall / Stadhuis Rotterdam, Coolsingel 40, 3011 AD Rotterdam, Netherlands. This is the start location.

Once there, log in to this website and begin your hunt, or go to My Account for full clickable instructions.

Also, you’ll need a fully charged smartphone connected to the Internet (LTE, or 4G with a data plan, Wifi isn’t available throughout). Instructions will be supplied on-screen, including directions and challenges, as well as some historical information.

Ancient History

Rotterdam is a major port city in the Netherlands within the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt river delta on the North Sea. The city’s history begins in 1270, when a great dam was built on the Rotte river (hence Rotterdam). This dam was, in fact, the connection of many fiefdoms’ protective walls into a single great wall. Indeed, these walls had been built up over time to protect against flooding.

However, this city can trace its origins further to 900 CE, when early settlements were established around the Rotte estuary. In fact, these were part of the Holy Roman (German) Empire.

In 1340, the Count of Holland finally granted Rotterdam city rights, and it expanded. Various power struggles emerged over control of the city over the next 150 years. The city then became involved in the Eighty Years’ War between the Low Countries and Spain. This conflict stagnated growth, but the following period saw prosperity as trade with England, France, America, and Spain increased into the 18th century. The city was occupied by the French from 1795 to 1813 and fell into recession during this time. Fast growth returned once the French left, as exploration of Africa brought in new trade. This is also when the city outgrew its city walls and expanded not only beyond them, but across the river as well.

Modern History

Rotterdam almost didn’t survive WWII, as it was the subject of an early German invasion and bombings in 1940. It was later bombed by Allied air forces to drive out the Germans. The city was almost completely reconstructed following WWII and boasts bold, modern architecture. Finally, nowadays, Rotterdam is home to almost 635 000 people and is Europe’s largest port.