The worst event in Rotterdam's history is also the catalyst that led to its incredible rise as one of the most amazing cities in the world. 

For Rotterdam, May 14th is the day that changed everything. The Nazi bombardment of May 14, 1940, lasted only 15 minutes but destroyed almost the entire city. The 97.000 kilo's of bombs and the resulting fires killed more than 850 people, destroyed thousands of buildings and left 80,000 homeless.

The bombing was a 'mistake'

Apparently, when the Germans invaded the Netherlands, they met with more opposition than expected. Frustrated and wary that the English might come to the aid of the Dutch, Schmidt - the German general charged with the task of bringing the Netherlands to its knees - threatened to bomb Rotterdam unless the Dutch surrendered. He was given the mandate to quell the resistance by any means necessary. 

A little-known fact is that the bombing had actually been called off. In the early hours of May 14, general Schmidt gave an ultimatum. Rotterdam had no more than two hours to either surrender or face destruction. Winkelman, the Dutch Commander-in-Chief, tried to stall for time by asking for an official document which was neatly written and properly signed. Schmidt, the German general, was willing to go along with the request and meet the Dutch commander halfway. 

German telegram 📷 Stadsarchief Rotterdam

However, that message never got to the pilots. Twice, general Schmidt sent telegrams to German high command, asking for the bombing to be delayed. However, the Germans had a complex communications system which required all messages to be coded and sent via various radio towers. This required precious time; the one thing that Rotterdam didn't have. 

In 1940, there was no way to communicate directly with the aircraft once they were up in the air. By the time the message arrived, the Heinkel bombers had already taken off. General Schmidt ordered his men on Noordereiland to fire red flares to signal the bombers to back off. However, his efforts to prevent the bombing were in vain. Though the general did manage to stop the second wave of bombers from dropping their munitions on the city, the damage was already done. 

Could the destruction of Rotterdam have been prevented?

Could the Rotterdam Blitz have been prevented? Probably, but we'll never truly know. Had the Dutch commander made haste and given up immediately, the city could have been spared. Moreover, had the German general not been willing to give the Dutch more time, the second wave of bombers could have also struck Rotterdam and the destruction would have been unimaginable.

In the end, though general Schmidt was technically in charge on the ground, the order to bomb the city came directly from the German high command, under pressure from Hermann Göring, Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force).

Determined to force the Dutch to surrender, the Germans threatened to bomb Utrecht next. After what had been done to Rotterdam, commander Winkelman agreed to capitulate the next day, on May 15th, 1940. 

The Destroyed City / City Without a Heart by Ossip Zadkine

The bombing of Rotterdam was devastating and literally left the city without a centre. A fact depicted in the monument many have come to know as 'Stad Zonder Hart' or City Without a Heart (above image). The monument is a sculpture by Russian-born artist Ossip Zadkine who lived in France. You can find the monument on Plein 1940, a square located between the Maritime Museum and the Chamber of Commerce. 

However, from these ashes, which landed as far as Gouda, Rotterdam was reborn. To this day, Rotterdam's fighting spirit and 'can do' mentality is evident in its people, culture and architecture. 

Location of Plein 1940 (monument and plaza)

14th May 2026 Remembrance Day Program

Rotterdam will pause on 14 May to commemorate the bombardment that destroyed large parts of the city 86 years ago. Under the theme You are more than one (Je bent meer dan één), Comité Herdenking 14 mei presents a citywide programme with remembrance moments, cultural activities and space for reflection.

The 2026 programme brings together official commemorations, cultural events and gatherings that invite conversation. The idea is clear: remembering 14 May is not tied to one location or one organisation, but belongs to Rotterdam as a whole. That wider approach matters in a city where the traces of the bombardment are both visible and invisible. You can stand by Zadkine’s The destroyed city, walk the fire boundary (Brandgrens), or simply move through a centre that had to rebuild itself almost from nothing.

The theme You are more than one gives the commemoration room for different perspectives. It suggests that Rotterdam’s wartime history is not a single story, but a collection of personal, family, neighbourhood and city memories. “Commemoration requires more than looking back alone,” says Liesbeth Levy, director of Kenniscentrum Cultuuronderwijs Rotterdam. “With this programme, we make room for different stories and perspectives and show that the meaning of 14 May is still felt in the city today.”

The days around 14 May include more than formal moments of silence. The programme features lectures, walks, exhibitions, music and film, allowing you to approach the history of the bombardment through different forms. Programme highlights include the Brandgrens walk on 13 May, exhibitions at Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU and the Mariniersmuseum on 14 May, and a commemorative concert on 14 May. The Hofland lecture takes place one day before the main commemoration.

Official moments on 14 May

On Thursday 14 May, the official commemorative programme starts at 10:00 at Statenweg, near number 147. This is the place where the ultimatum to surrender Rotterdam was handed over in 1940. The morning programme includes music, words of remembrance by Mayor Carola Schouten, a wreath-laying, the Taptoe signal and two minutes of silence at 10:23.

The wider 14 May programme also includes activities at several places in the city, including Plein 1940, the Laurenskerk, Museum Rotterdam ’40-’45 NU and the Mariniersmuseum. The full programme is available at https://herdenkjij14mei.nl/programma.

Ever wonder how many millionaires live right here in Rotterdam? Our port city might not be Beverly Hills, but the wealth is quietly growing in surprising ways. Grab a latte—because we’re about to look behind the curtains at the numbers.

Homes and households

Let’s start with the basics. According to the 2024 update of the Regionale kerncijfers Nederland dataset, Rotterdam counted 341,460 private households on 1 January 2024. That’s up from 337,842 households the year before, so we’ve welcomed a few more neighbours. The same dataset shows that our housing stock reached 324,597 dwellings at the start of 2024, slightly more than the 321,282 homes in 2023.

And homes are looking pricier, too. The average property value (the WOZ value, which is used for property tax) jumped to €334 thousand—about €15 thousand more than in 2023. Think of it as your house giving itself a makeover while you slept. CBS doesn’t publish official counts of “million‑euro homes” per municipality; instead, it tracks overall values. But the rising WOZ suggests that property wealth is on the up, which helps explain why we’re seeing more millionaire households. 

Millionaires in Rotterdam

So, who counts as a millionaire? CBS says you’re in the club if your assets minus debts add up to at least €1 million, and yes—your home (after the mortgage) counts. Nationwide, about 452 thousand households meet that standard. In Rotterdam, only 3 percent of households do—roughly ten thousand households when you multiply that percentage by our household count. We’re not Monaco, but we’re far from impoverished.

Where their money comes from

Most Rotterdam millionaires aren’t living off trust funds or yacht charters. CBS data show that the median millionaire household has €1.6 million in assets. Two‑thirds sit between €1 million and €2 million, a quarter between €2 and €5 million, and only a tiny elite—about 3 percent—have more than €10 million.

Their wealth is usually tied up in businesses and property. About 40 percent of millionaire wealth comes from significant business interests and business assets and another quarter is tied up in the family home. Nearly 40 percent of millionaire households get their main income from a pension, and 55 percent of working millionaires are self‑employed. That self‑employed share used to be higher—71 percent back in 2014—so more of today’s millionaires are professionals or retirees rather than just entrepreneurs. For non‑millionaires, by contrast, more than three‑quarters of wealth is in the home.

Rotterdam vs. the rich villages

If you think 3 percent sounds small, you’re right. In places like Bloemendaal and Laren, roughly one in three households is a millionaire. Even our neighbours in Amsterdam (6.2 percent), The Hague (5.1 percent) and Utrecht (5 percent) have far higher shares. Wealthy enclaves such as Blaricum (25 percent), Heemstede (24 percent) and Wassenaar (23 percent) are also awash with affluent families. On the flip side, provinces like Groningen, Flevoland and Limburg barely break the 4 percent mark, and municipalities such as Brunssum, Heerlen, Kerkrade and Nissewaard record some of the lowest millionaire densities. So Rotterdam sits somewhere in the middle: not dirt poor, but not dripping in diamonds either.

So what's the TL;DR?

To wrap up: around 10 thousand millionaires live among our 341 thousand households. Homes are gaining value—up to an average €334 k—but the millionaire share is still just 3 percent. That makes Rotterdam a bit like a well‑loved handbag: stylish and practical, with just a hint of luxury—but it’s no luxury label yet. And maybe that’s exactly why we love it.

The Erasmus Bridge is Rotterdam's most famous bridge, but it is far from the only one worth discovering. Known locally as De Zwaan (The Swan), its sweeping cables and distinctive pylon have become symbols of the city's skyline. Yet just a short distance away are the bright red Willemsbrug, the historic railway lift bridge De Hef and, further east, the enormous Van Brienenoordbrug.

Rotterdam is a city built around water, with more than 1,000 bridges, viaducts and other crossings managed by the municipality. Some are modest neighbourhood connections, while others are extraordinary pieces of engineering. Here are four of Rotterdam's most recognisable bridges, their histories, interesting facts and some of our favourite places to admire them.

Rotterdam's best-known bridges at a glance

Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge)

If you want one structure that sums up modern Rotterdam, it is the Erasmusbrug. Named after the humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (c. 1466-1536), the bridge connects the city centre with Kop van Zuid, the former docklands district that has become one of Rotterdam's most recognisable modern neighbourhoods.

Locals call it De Zwaan, or The Swan, because of its leaning pylon and the sweeping cables that give it such a distinctive silhouette. The bridge was designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel, whose firm later became known as UNStudio.

Here are the headline numbers. The bridge is 802 metres long, with a 139-metre-high pylon and 40 stay cables. At the southern end is an 89-metre bascule section, which can be raised to allow tall ships through. According to the municipality, this movable section is the largest and heaviest bascule bridge in Western Europe.

Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam. Photo: Josef Sejrek.

The Erasmusbrug was officially opened by Queen Beatrix on 4 September 1996. It immediately became a symbol of Rotterdam's efforts to reconnect and redevelop the north and south banks of the Nieuwe Maas.

The bridge played an important role in the transformation of Kop van Zuid. Once dominated by former port facilities and largely abandoned docklands, the area developed into a district of offices, residential towers, hotels, restaurants and cultural attractions.

Construction cost approximately €165 million, a considerable investment at the time. The bridge was intended to be more than a traffic connection. Rotterdam wanted a landmark that could help give the city a new identity, and the result certainly delivered.

It was not entirely smooth sailing at first. Shortly after opening, engineers discovered that rain and wind could cause the stay cables to oscillate dangerously. Additional dampers were installed to control the movement.

The bridge has since appeared in numerous major Rotterdam events, including the 2010 Tour de France Grand Départ. It celebrated its 30th anniversary in September 2026.

Keeping this landmark in good condition requires regular attention. Major maintenance in 2024 included cleaning and repainting the structure in its original light blue, renewing cycling surfaces and repairing pedestrian areas. Further work continued in 2025, followed by another extensive resurfacing project in 2026.

Our viewing tip: Walk across the Erasmusbrug around sunset and watch the skyline come alive as the buildings begin to light up. The northern end at Willemsplein offers an excellent view of the pylon, while the Wilhelminapier side provides a different perspective. Alternatively, take a water taxi underneath the bridge to appreciate its size from the river.

Willemsbrug

Just upstream from the Erasmusbrug sits the Willemsbrug, a bright red counterpoint to Rotterdam's famous Swan. The current bridge dates from 1981 and connects the city centre with Noordereiland.

The Willemsbrug measures 366 metres long and 34 metres wide, with its highest point reaching 65 metres above NAP, the Dutch national height reference. Its two pylons stand 270 metres apart.

The red Willemsbrug crossing the Nieuwe Maas in Rotterdam.

Fun fact: this is actually Rotterdam's second Willemsbrug. The original bridge opened in 1878 and was named after King Willem III. As traffic increased, the old crossing eventually became inadequate, leading to the construction of the present bridge on a different alignment.

The original Willemsbrug also played an important role during the German invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940. Dutch marines defended the bridge and the surrounding riverfront, including the nearby Boompjes, against advancing German forces.

The resistance around the bridge became part of Rotterdam's wartime history, before the German bombing of the city centre on 14 May 1940.

The current Willemsbrug was designed by Cor Veerling of Rotterdam's municipal engineering department. Construction began in 1975, and Queen Beatrix officially opened the bridge on 1 July 1981.

In 2017, the municipality carried out major maintenance, restoring the distinctive ruby-red finish, installing new decorative lighting and changing the road layout to give cyclists and pedestrians more space.

One particularly interesting feature is the sharp bend in the approaches to the bridge. This unusual layout was chosen partly to prevent excessive traffic from flowing through nearby historic streets.

The Willemsbrug may not receive the same international attention as the Erasmusbrug, but it certainly deserves a closer look.

Our viewing tip: Walk across the Willemsbrug at night for a beautiful view of Rotterdam's illuminated skyline, including the Erasmusbrug further downstream. The riverfront around Boompjes also offers excellent photographic opportunities, particularly when the red pylons are illuminated.

De Hef (Koningshavenbrug)

De Hef is a reminder that Rotterdam's bridges are not simply about the modern skyline. Officially called the Koningshavenbrug, this former railway lift bridge is one of the city's most treasured industrial monuments.

The present lifting structure was built between 1925 and 1927, although parts of the approaches date back to an earlier railway bridge from 1878.

Designed by Dutch engineer Pieter Joosting and opened on 31 October 1927, De Hef was the first vertical-lift bridge of its kind in Western Europe.

The bridge is 79 metres long and was originally part of the railway connection between Rotterdam and Dordrecht. Its distinctive central section could be raised between two enormous steel towers to allow ships to pass through the Koningshaven.

During the Second World War, the bridge suffered extensive damage in the 1940 bombardment of Rotterdam. Because of its importance to railway traffic, it was repaired relatively quickly.

Trains continued using De Hef until 1993, when railway traffic was transferred to the Willemsspoortunnel. Rather than demolish the redundant structure, Rotterdam preserved it as a reminder of the city's industrial and maritime history.

It was designated a national monument in 2000.

De Hef, the historic Koningshaven railway lift bridge in Rotterdam.

De Hef underwent a major restoration between 2014 and 2017. In November 2014, its central lifting section was removed for repairs, an operation that attracted hundreds of spectators.

The steel section weighed approximately 560 tonnes and measured 55 by 9 metres, according to NOS reporting at the time.

After extensive refurbishment, the central section was returned to its position between the towers on 7 February 2017.

Today, De Hef remains raised to allow shipping traffic through the Koningshaven. Its distinctive green steel structure has become a familiar part of Rotterdam's skyline.

The Jeff Bezos yacht controversy

In 2022, De Hef unexpectedly became the subject of international headlines thanks to a superyacht associated with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The vessel, built by Oceanco in Alblasserdam, was too tall to pass beneath the historic bridge once its enormous masts were installed.

Reports that De Hef might need to be temporarily dismantled provoked considerable public opposition in Rotterdam, where the bridge is regarded as an important part of the city's heritage.

Ultimately, the yacht travelled to Rotterdam by another route, without its masts installed. They were fitted later, allowing the vessel to continue its journey without the bridge being dismantled.

The episode demonstrated just how strongly Rotterdammers feel about this piece of industrial history.

Our viewing tip: The quays around Noordereiland offer some of the best views of De Hef. The nearby Koninginnebrug is also a good place to appreciate its enormous lifting towers and the surrounding historic harbour landscape.

Van Brienenoordbrug

The Van Brienenoordbrug is rather different from Rotterdam's other famous bridges. It is less of a tourist attraction and more of an enormous piece of working infrastructure, carrying the A16 motorway across the Nieuwe Maas on the eastern side of the city.

It consists of two parallel steel arch bridges, but would you guess that one of the arches is actually 25 years older than the other?

The original eastern bridge opened in 1965. As traffic continued to grow, a second arch was added on the western side in 1990, significantly increasing the crossing's capacity.

Today, the combined bridge measures approximately 1,320 metres long and carries twelve traffic lanes, six in each direction.

According to Rijkswaterstaat, roughly 250,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day, making it one of the busiest motorway crossings in the Netherlands.

Van Brienenoordbrug, Rotterdam's twin-arch A16 motorway bridge. Photo: Johan Klos.

The Van Brienenoordbrug was not directly named after a person. Its name comes from the nearby Eiland van Brienenoord, which was itself named after Arnoud Willem van Brienen van de Groote Lindt, a nineteenth-century baron and former owner of the island.

Shipping traffic is another important part of the bridge's story. More than 120,000 vessels pass underneath annually, while approximately 150 bridge openings are required each year for ships too tall to pass beneath the fixed sections.

The crossing includes three movable bascule sections alongside its two enormous steel arches.

A major renewal programme lasting until 2033

With more than sixty years of heavy traffic behind its oldest sections, the Van Brienenoordbrug is now facing one of the largest infrastructure renewal projects in the Netherlands.

Rijkswaterstaat is preparing a programme to replace and refurbish major parts of the bridge, including its steel arches, movable sections and operating systems.

Preparatory engineering work is scheduled for 2027, with substantial renewal of the movable sections planned for 2029.

In 2030, a completely new western arch is expected to be transported to Rotterdam and installed in place of the existing western structure.

Rather than simply scrapping the old arch, Rijkswaterstaat plans to refurbish it and reuse it as the replacement eastern arch in 2032. The complete programme is currently expected to finish in 2033.

The transport and installation of the enormous steel structures will be handled by the specialist companies Mammoet and Sarens, which were awarded the relevant contract in October 2026.

The project will involve major logistical challenges and periods of traffic disruption. Rijkswaterstaat is planning the work in phases to keep the crossing available wherever possible.

Because the project will continue over several years, the schedule may still change. Drivers can follow the latest developments on the official Van Brienenoordbrug renewal project page.

Our viewing tip: The nearby Eiland van Brienenoord offers a very different perspective on the bridge. From the island and surrounding riverbanks, you can appreciate the scale of its steel arches while exploring a surprisingly green corner of Rotterdam.

Each of these four bridges tells a different part of Rotterdam's story. From the historic railway engineering of De Hef to the modern architecture of the Erasmusbrug, they reveal a city that has continually adapted its infrastructure to the needs of its port, residents and visitors.

How does a train station become a city's defining feature? Rotterdam Centraal offers more than transit—it tells a story of resilience, modernity, and sustainability. What makes it such a cultural and architectural landmark?

Rotterdam Centraal station is not just a point of transit. It is an emblem of Rotterdam’s drive to rebuild, innovate, and look forward. Located at the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities, the station is a marvel of design, sustainability, and urban integration. More than a railway hub, it serves as a symbol of a city that rose from wartime devastation to redefine itself as a centre of bold architecture and green thinking. Its transformation over decades showcases the power of infrastructure to reflect the character and aspirations of a place.

A history born of necessity

After the Second World War, Rotterdam lay in ruins, and rebuilding became a pressing challenge. Among the many projects to rise from the ashes was the original Rotterdam Centraal, designed by Sybold van Ravesteyn and completed in 1957. This station replaced Delftse Poort, which had been obliterated in the Rotterdam Blitz. The post-war design was utilitarian, focused on restoring connectivity and functionality. But even then, the station became a key player in the Dutch railway network, and its importance only grew with the inauguration of the Netherlands’ first metro line in 1968, linking the city’s northern and southern halves.

By the turn of the 21st century, however, it was clear that the station had outgrown its post-war identity. Rotterdam’s resurgence as a global city meant passenger numbers were soaring, and the old structure simply couldn’t keep up. A bold redesign was required—not just to expand capacity, but to create a station that matched Rotterdam’s new image as a leader in innovation and sustainable urban development.

Previous Rotterdam Centraal Station. Photo credit: Schotanus

A new vision

In 2004, the transformation of Rotterdam Centraal began, helmed by Team CS, a partnership of Benthem Crouwel Architekten, MVSA Meyer & Van Schooten Architects, and West 8. The challenge was enormous: to build a facility capable of serving over 320,000 passengers daily by 2025 while keeping trains running and integrating the station with the city’s modern aesthetic. The project demanded cutting-edge solutions and a relentless commitment to sustainable design.

The result was unveiled in 2014 and has since become an icon. The new Rotterdam Centraal is a place where function meets beauty, with an architectural boldness that encapsulates the city’s ethos.

View of Central Station and Stationsplein from the Manhattan Hotel, with the Groothandelsgebouw on the left and the RET tram stops on the right. Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode.

Architecture that inspires

Perhaps the station’s most striking feature is its asymmetrical stainless-steel roof, a dramatic gesture that appears to point towards the city’s bustling centre. This dynamic form doesn’t just look futuristic—it reflects the station’s purpose as a gateway to Rotterdam. The grand entrance on the city-facing side, framed by wood and glass, invites passengers into a spacious, light-filled hall where natural materials soften the imposing scale.

Inside, every detail is designed for both elegance and efficiency. The high ceilings flood the space with daylight, and the use of wood creates a warmth that contrasts with the sleek exterior. The layout prioritises flow, accommodating ticketing services, retail outlets, and waiting areas without ever feeling cramped. This seamless blend of practicality and design makes the station as comfortable for a quick commuter dash as for a leisurely visit.

Sustainability at its core

One of the station’s defining achievements is its environmental responsibility. Sustainability was a core tenet of the redesign, exemplified by the 130,000 solar panels integrated into the roof. These panels cover a vast 10,000 square metres, producing a significant portion of the station’s energy and reducing its carbon footprint. By embracing renewable energy, Rotterdam Centraal leads by example, proving that large-scale infrastructure can be both functional and eco-friendly.

Other green features include efficient energy use throughout the building and future-ready design elements that anticipate additional urban development around the station. The project set a benchmark for what sustainable transport hubs can achieve in an era where climate-conscious design is no longer optional but essential.

A hub for the city and beyond

Rotterdam Centraal isn’t just a local landmark—it’s a critical node in the European transport network. The station’s 16 platforms handle a mix of domestic and international rail services, including high-speed trains to Belgium, France, and the UK. Eurostar’s addition in 2020 introduced juxtaposed border controls, streamlining the process for travellers heading to Britain.

Beneath the main station lies a modern metro hub that connects Rotterdam to surrounding regions through the RandstadRail light rail system. By integrating multiple transport modes, the station ensures that travel within and beyond the city is straightforward.

Photo by Lukas Boekhout on Unsplash

A welcoming experience

Rotterdam Centraal places as much emphasis on the passenger experience as on its logistics. The station’s main hall is a hive of activity, offering a range of shops, cafés, and essential services. Travellers can pick up groceries, withdraw cash, or relax in the NS International Lounge before boarding their train. Accessibility features ensure that passengers with reduced mobility can navigate the station easily. For many, the station is not just a transit point—it’s the start of their Rotterdam journey.

Blending past and future

While the station is forward-looking in every sense, it also nods to Rotterdam’s history. The original “CENTRAAL STATION” lettering and clock were reinstalled on the new facade, preserving a tangible link to its mid-century predecessor. Two granite sculptures from the old station, affectionately called “Speculaasjes,” now adorn the bike tunnel entrance. These thoughtful details ensure that Rotterdam Centraal honours its past even as it drives into the future.

A landmark for all

Rotterdam Centraal has become a cultural touchstone. Its photogenic architecture has made it a magnet for photographers, and its status as a modern masterpiece draws design enthusiasts from around the globe. Its sustainable design, architectural ambition, and cultural significance have made it a source of civic pride and a model for other cities to follow.