Vlaardingen: City History, Museums and Nature

Vlaardingen combines cultural and historical themes with experiences in nature. The cityscape is marked by protected areas and historic buildings, while Broekpolder offers open spaces, water and varied vegetation. Depending on your interests, you can shape your stay around the city's history, a museum ship or time in the great outdoors.

Protected Urban Areas and Historic Buildings

Together, three protected areas form an urban landscape of national cultural and historical significance. One runs along Kortedijk and Hoogstraat and ends at the market by the Grote Kerk. It includes Vlaardingen's oldest buildings. These features give the historic city centre a clear thematic focus: the interest lies not only in individual buildings but also in how the protected areas fit together.

One of the notable historical landmarks is the Stadskraan Vlaardingen. From the early 17th century, it served the fishing industry and, among others, merchant ships and trekschuiten. A replica stands on the Museumkade in front of Museum Vlaardingen. The Visbank tells another part of the city's story: built in 1778, it was used as a fish auction hall for private individuals until 1949. Molen Aeolus has played several roles over the course of its history: it was used for milling and as a lookout tower, and served as an anti-aircraft post during the Second World War.

Museum, Ship and City History

Museum Vlaardingen tells the story of the city's past, present and future. Opposite, at Westhavenkade 54 in the centre of Vlaardingen, is the museum ship VL.92 Balder. The museum and ship offer two different ways to explore Vlaardingen's history: an institutional account of the city and a historic ship as a tangible point of reference. Guided tours are available aboard the VL.92 Balder; check availability in advance.

Masamuda, a hands-on archaeological learning site in Vlaardingse Broekpolder, also explores the past. Expeditie Vlaardingen offers a different way to discover it: the experience brings the city centre's history to life through audio, video and augmented reality. If you prefer to explore historical themes while on the move, walking routes take you along historic streets, past murals and beside the water, with the city's history at their heart.

Broekpolder and Routes Through the City

De Ruigte in Broekpolder is a nature reserve with open spaces, water and varied vegetation. It is also home to a herd of Scottish Highland cattle. Klauterwoud offers children adventurous outdoor play in nature. The two places have different focuses: De Ruigte brings together landscape and wildlife, while Klauterwoud offers an outdoor experience specifically designed for children.

For a cycling trip, the Vlaardinger cycling route starts at Infopunt Vlaardingen and passes through the city's green areas. E-bikes for this route can be rented at the Infopunt on Westhavenkade; check availability before you arrive. The walking routes offer a different perspective on Vlaardingen, with their stops and stretches taking in historic streets, murals and the water. No set walking or cycling time is specified for these routes.

When choosing where to stay, you can consider which side of Vlaardingen interests you most: its protected urban areas and historic landmarks, the stories told at the museum and aboard the ship, or its green spaces and routes. The themes span the period from the early 17th century to the present and bring together different perspectives on the city, without requiring you to choose just one way to explore it.

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