Kralingse Bos and Plas

The Kralingse Bos and Kralingse Plas represent Rotterdam’s best recreational area. Come rain or shine, the Kralingse Bos forest draws sports enthusiasts year round. It is the perfect place for running, cycling, horse-riding, golf, rowing and sailing. On sunny days, the park attracts a lot of families who visit the playground, the Dutch-style petting farm, and pancake restaurant. Both forest and lake are popular destinations in summer. Enjoy a barbecue with friends and family, go for a swim, or work on that suntan on the sandy beach!

Nominated for Best Public Space in Holland.
An ample 300 hectares in size.
The view of Rotterdam’s skyline from the side of the lake is magnificent.

History of the Kralingse Bos and Plas

The Kralingse Bos forest encircles the Kralingse Plas lake and covers 200 hectares. The Rotterdam city park was created around the Noorderplas lake (as the Kralingse Plas was then called) in the early 20th century. The Kralingse Plas was created towards the end of the 19th century as a result of peat extraction. Two centuries-old windmills remind us of this history.

The lake began to be used for recreational purposes around the 1900s; the first water sports club also dates from this era. Today there are as many as five water sports clubs near the Kralingse Plas and the area has evolved into one of Holland's best recreational parks.

Around the Kralingse Plas

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Rotterdam metropolis, why not visit the lake and forest? And if you have brought your running shoes with you, you might want to give the famous ‘Kralingse Plas tour’ around the lake a try. This 5 km run takes in all of the highlights in the Kralingse Bos and around the Kralingse Plas.

Kralingse Bos and Plas

History of the Kralingse Bos and Plas

Around the Kralingse Plas

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