Private Rotterdam World War II and Reconstruction Walk, Roof Views
A raid lasting under a quarter hour, then its scars and the rebuilt centre
Standing on the Het Witte Huis rooftop, you look out over the city, then come down to walk the Fire Boundary and the scars of a bombing that lasted under a quarter of an hour. This private walking tour of Rotterdam's centre and riverside is led by a local guide who explains the history behind it.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore WWII history and reconstruction
- Hear facts of the Bombardment
- Walk along the Fire Boundary
- Stop at water tap and Bagel Bakery
- Take a moment at Zadkine’s monument
- Walk through Reconstruction, see bullet holes
- See City Hall and Post Office bullet holes
- Walk through heart of the Reconstruction
- Visit rooftop of Het Witte Huis for city view
- Witte Huis Entry included 20m
- The Destroyed City 5m
- Rotterdam City Hall 10m
- Church of St. Lawrence 10m
What’s included
- Rooftop terrace at Het Timmerhuis on weekdays.
- Reduced price to enter the Cube Houses.
- An expert guide from the area.
- Weekend entry to the Het Witte Huis rooftop.
- A postcard from a local architecture photographer.
- Reduced price at a stall in the Markthal.
- Every day 10:00 12:30 15:00
Information
You walk the Fire Boundary, see the bullet holes and the Reconstruction, then take in a 360º view from the Het Witte Huis rooftop.
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The experience
Your rooftop moment comes first. On Saturday and Sunday the entry to Het Witte Huis takes you up onto its roof, where a 360º view opens over the city. Before walking back down, you hear the facts of the bombing, which lasted less than a quarter of an hour, and how the occupation shaped what came after, so the streets below mean more.
The walk follows the Fire Boundary, where the scars of the destruction are still easy to spot. Zadkine's monument 'De Verwoeste Stad' gives you a quiet moment to pause. A water tap lets you fill your own bottle, and the Bagel Bakery serves as a sanitary stop along the way. Near City Hall and the Post Office you look for bullet holes in the buildings.
On weekdays the tour includes a rooftop terrace visit at Het Timmerhuis, seen from one of the residents' terraces, which gives you a different angle on the city. The route ends at the Church of St. Lawrence, where you walk through the heart of the Reconstruction and see how the rebuilt centre took shape.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, German and Dutch.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Does the tour include going up on a roof?
Yes, the entry to the rooftop of Het Witte Huis is included on Saturday and Sunday, with a 360º view over the city from the top.
Is there a rooftop visit at Het Timmerhuis on weekdays?
Yes, on weekdays the tour includes a rooftop terrace visit at Het Timmerhuis (OMA), which is one of the residents' terraces.
Will I get a chance to refill my water bottle?
Yes, the walk stops at a water tap where you can fill your own bottle, and it also makes a sanitary stop at the Bagel Bakery.
Does the walk pass the Church of St. Lawrence?
Yes, the Church of St. Lawrence is one of the final stops, where you walk through the heart of the Reconstruction.
Operated by De Rotterdam Tours. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 8 days ago
Private Rotterdam WWII Reconstruction Walk, Roof Views
2h 30m · EN · DE +1
from € 350 per group
≈ US$ 393 in your currency
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