HAPPENING 6–9 June 2025 | Historic castles and estates in the Rijnmond region will open their gates this Pentecost weekend. Visitors are invited to explore nature and history through a variety of outdoor activities.

 _{Image: Kasteel van Rhoon, surrounded by its lush estate grounds. Photo credit: Yara Dragt, courtesy of Het Kasteel van Rhoon.}

Castles in Rijnmond welcome visitors during Pentecost

A nationwide celebration of heritage, Dag van het Kasteel (Day of the Castle) will take place from Friday 6 June to Monday 9 June 2025. Dozens of castles and historical estates across the country, including several in the greater Rotterdam region, will participate by opening their grounds to the public.

This year's theme, Naar Buiten! (“Outside!”), encourages visitors to step outdoors and experience cultural heritage through nature-focused programming. Activities will include guided nature walks, historical reenactments, storytelling sessions, and open-air concerts and picnics.

Notable locations in the Rijnmond region

Several notable sites in the Rijnmond area are taking part, offering visitors a unique look into local history:

• Kasteel van Rhoon will offer free entry on Monday 9 June, featuring various activities tailored to children and families.
• Buitenplaats Het Huys ten Donck in Ridderkerk is set to host guided nature walks and classical music performances on its estate grounds.
• Huis Van Gijn in Dordrecht will allow visitors to explore the historical mansion and take part in sensory experiences that recreate 19th-century domestic life.
• Kasteel Keenenburg in Schipluiden invites guests to discover its ruins and learn about its storied past through curated tours.

Planning your visit

Visitors are encouraged to prepare ahead by consulting the interactive map on the official Dag van het Kasteel website. As opening dates and times may vary by location, checking the schedule in advance is advised. Most sites are open from 11:00 to 16:00, although exceptions may apply.

It is also recommended to wear suitable clothing and footwear, as the majority of events will take place outdoors. Programmes geared towards children are widely available.

For full details and location listings, the official event website can be visited at https://dagvanhetkasteel.nl.

Directions to Kasteel van Rhoon

Kasteel van Rhoon is located in the municipality of Albrandswaard, just south of Rotterdam. The surrounding area features green parks and a quiet village setting, easily accessible by public transport or bicycle. From Rotterdam, metro line D stops at Rhoon station, which is a short walk from the castle grounds.

The ultimate summer experience

First held in 1987, Pleinbioscoop has become one of Rotterdam’s most enduring summer traditions. It is recognised as the city's largest outdoor cinema, annually drawing large crowds and fostering a sense of community in the urban landscape. Rent a chair or bring your own and cosy up in front of the huge screen. On the programme are the best films of the past year; a mix of arthouse and the better Hollywood blockbusters.

Pleinbioscoop 📷 Fleur Beerthuis

HAPPENING 7–9 June 2025 | Every year, Rotterdam becomes the concluding point of a unique sporting event – the Roparun. This multi-day, non-stop relay race not only brings together fitness enthusiasts and amateur athletes, but also plays a significant role in contributing to improving the lives of cancer patients.

_{Photo credit: Marco de Swart}

What is the Roparun?

The Roparun is a relay race held annually during the Whitsun weekend. The event has varying starting locations and finishes at the Coolsingel in Rotterdam. A Roparun team consists of approximately 25 people, including a maximum of eight runners who each run an average of about 65 kilometres in relay form, or more than one and a half marathons. The runners are supported by cyclists, caterers, drivers, masseurs, and other team members. The Roparun consists of two routes of more than 500 kilometres each. Participating in the Roparun is not only very enjoyable, but it also creates unforgettable memories. Anyone can participate: families, friends, sports clubs, companies, and associations.

When is the next Roparun?

The next Roparun will take place from 7th to 9th June 2025. The 34th edition of Roparun will see 212 teams at the starting line. The organisation announced the final number after the registration period closed. Over the coming months, the teams will raise funds to support people living with cancer. This year, 23 teams are either new or returning after a break.

Teams had the option of choosing between two routes: one from France and another within the Netherlands. The French route begins in Clastres, passing through Belgium and Brabant before reaching Rotterdam. The Dutch route starts at Vliegveld Twenthe in Enschede, going through Coevorden, Gelderland, and the Drechtsteden before arriving in Rotterdam.

All teams will finish on Tweede Pinksterdag (Whit Monday) at Binnenrotte, in the heart of the city. A total of 157 teams have opted for the traditional French route, while 55 teams will follow the Dutch route, which is known for its festive atmosphere and local support.

How to get involved with Roparun

The purpose of the event is to raise funds for cancer patients and their families, helping to make their lives easier and more bearable. If you want to get involved with Roparun, there are a few different ways you can do so. Firstly, you can participate as a runner or cyclist, joining a team and helping to raise funds for the cause. Alternatively, you can volunteer to support the event, helping with logistics, cheering on the participants, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Roparun. Photo credit: Marco de Swart

History of the Roparun

Initiated in 1992, the Roparun (Roparun) is a long-distance, non-stop team relay race that spans over a course of approximately 500 kilometres. The name “Roparun” is a portmanteau of Rotterdam and Paris, the two cities which initially marked the start and finish of the race. Over the years, the race has evolved and now includes other starting points such as Hamburg and Bremen, with all routes converging at the finish line in Rotterdam. 

Year after year, the Roparun resonates with the spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and generosity. Competitors often express how the race's gruelling physical demands are outweighed by the fulfilment derived from contributing to a cause that affects so many lives.

The charitable dimension

What sets the Roparun apart is its philanthropic focus. The event functions as a fundraiser for projects supporting people diagnosed with cancer, making it more than just a sporting event. Participating teams engage in various fundraising activities in the months leading up to the event, with all the proceeds going to organisations providing palliative care to cancer patients.

You can also donate to Roparun and help to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. To find out more about how to get involved, visit the Roparun website at https://www.roparun.nl/en/. Here, you can also make a donation to the cause and support the incredible work that they do.

Visiting the Roparun

The atmosphere in Rotterdam during the Roparun is electric, with the Coolsingel boulevard coming alive to cheer on the participants as they cross the finish line. Visitors can also join in the festivities by taking part in the various events organised around the race. Details on how to reach the finish line of the Roparun can be found in the map below:

HAPPENING 17–18 May 2025 | A weekend plant market will transform Trompenburg Gardens into a hub for greenery, featuring growers, garden décor and eco-conscious inspiration. The event runs on 17 and 18 May and is open to all gardening enthusiasts.

Plant market returns to Trompenburg Gardens

Trompenburg Gardens in Rotterdam will host its seasonal plant market (Plantenmarkt) on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May 2025, inviting visitors to explore a wide range of plants, garden products and outdoor inspiration. The event is set to open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Over two days, visitors will be able to browse market stalls offering herbs, flowering plants, indoor species and gardening-related items. A variety of local and specialist growers will be present, each bringing their own selection of plants and expertise.

Growers and gardening experts

The market will feature several growers including:

• Happy Garden, a hobby nursery known for cultivating hostas, irises, daylilies, poppies and peonies.
• Kwekerij Aaldering – De Stek, a biological nursery offering perennials such as Epimedium and Geranium. This grower also provides social day programmes as part of its operations.
• Krukla Tuinen, a small-scale nursery focusing on perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees. They also offer garden design and sustainable planting advice.
• Botanische tuin Mei Chu, a botanical garden covering three hectares, home to over 80 species of bamboo, along with Asian trees, shrubs and perennials.

More than just plants

In addition to plant stalls, visitors will find garden decoration, honey, and eco-friendly gift items. Seating areas with coffee, cake and light lunch options will be available.

Entry and practical information

Standard Trompenburg Gardens entry fees apply. Visitors with a Museumkaart, Rotterdampas or an annual walking pass for Trompenburg will be granted free access. E-tickets are available online to help reduce waiting time at the entrance.

The organisers advise using public transport or cycling. For those arriving by car, parking is available at Erasmus Plaza garage (entrance via Burgemeester Oudlaan), where exit tickets can be purchased at the garden entrance for €7.50. Excelsior parking is also an option.

Additional tips:

• Bring a reusable bag for purchases.
• Some stalls accept only cash.
• Walking shoes are recommended due to the mixed terrain.
• Wheelchairs and prams are welcome.
• There is no ATM nearby; payment at the café and restaurant is by PIN or credit card only.
• Electric bike batteries cannot be stored at the entrance building.
• Always check that your Rotterdampas or Museumkaart is valid before visiting.

Event location and directions

The plant market takes place at Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum, located in the Kralingen district. The area is known for its leafy surroundings and proximity to Erasmus University. Public transport options include tram and metro lines to nearby stops such as Voorschoterlaan or Kralingse Zoom.