The King’s Day route shows a very versatile Rotterdam
20-02-2023
Introduction
From the Afrikaanderwijk, across the Nieuwe Maas to the Binnenrotte in the city centre. That’s a brief summary of the Royal route to take place on King's Day on 27th April. The Royal Family will get to see Rotterdam in all its glory and versatility: different cultures, art, architecture, history and the future.
We’ll be celebrating King Willem-Alexander's birthday and his 10th anniversary as King on Thursday 27th April. Rotterdam will treat King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, their daughters and other members of the Royal Family to a fantastic party. The party’s theme will be: We’re all Kings & Queens. Because everyone is special and a crown fits on every head.
Afrikaanderwijk
The route will start at 11.00 a.m. in the Afrikaanderwijk in the South of Rotterdam, near the Afrikaanderplein. They’ll be treated to a very festive welcome here. The Royal walk will continue from the square along the Pretorialaan towards the Maashaven.
Across the Nieuwe Maas
The Royal Family will cross the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse) to the Leuvehaven by the famous yellow-black water taxis, with a view of the skyline of Rotterdam. Their journey across the water will take them along the ss Rotterdam, the Holland America Line’s former flagship, Hotel New York, the Wilhelmina Pier and passing under the iconic bridge of Rotterdam: the Erasmus Bridge.
City Centre
The Royal route continues from Plein 1940, at the sculpture 'The destroyed city', designed by Ossip Zadkine. It’s one of Europe’s most famous war memorials. The walk will then continue across the Blaak, with a clear view of the internationally renowned Cube Houses by Piet Blom, towards the Laurenskerk. The only part of Rotterdam’s medieval city centre now remaining. The Royal walk will ultimately pass through the Markthal, the largest indoor market of its kind in the Netherlands, and finish at the Binnenrotte square around 13:00 p.m.
Extraordinary encounters
This 1 kilometre long walking route, plus the water crossing, will truly show Rotterdam’s most versatile side. Mayor Aboutaleb: “Everything is included in this one-kilometre stretch, making sure the Royal Family is completely immersed in all of the city’s scents, colours and flavours. We will most certainly be treating them to a wonderful programme and some extraordinary encounters.”
Mayor Aboutaleb officially announced the route today via this video.
Royal Closing Party
The Royal Family and the public (all Kings & Queens) will be treated to a spectacular birthday party from 12 noon until approximately 5.00 p.m. at the Binnenrotte square. The full programme will be announced on the 30th of March.
Trial run
Anyone who’d like to have a little trial run of the Royal Family’s walk can independently explore the route. Groups also have the option of booking this route with a Rotterdam guide. Download the route map or book a guide here.
