At Hoek van Holland you will find two gigantic passage-ways of the New Waterway. This is the Maeslant Barrier; the largest mobile flood barrier and the largest robot in the world. At times of storm surges coming from the sea the Maeslant Barrier closes the New Waterway and therewith protects 1.5 million people against floods. Next to the Maeslant Barrier is the Keringhuis (Barrier House) which offers free admission. Here you can learn everything about the Maeslant Barrier, high water and the measures necessary to protect Zuid-Holland against floods. You can also, with the help of a guide, get a tour of the barrier.
You can also visit the new Watervertelplein (Water Workshop). Here you can create a storm, make the rain poor out of the sky or let the scorching sun shine. Which measures must be taken to protect Zuid-Holland from future floods? Where can we get sufficient sweet water during dry summers? The Watervertelplein provides answers to these and other questions and familiarizes you with the latest developments in Zuid-Holland within the National Delta program. Outside, on the water playground, everyone can use sand bags and pumps to keep the land from flooding.
The Keringhuis (Barrier House), Public Water Centre at the Maeslant Barrier
The Keringhuis is open to the public every day. During holidays there are special activities for children with the water theme. The Keringhuis organises introductory tours for individual visitors, throughout the year, during weekends and holidays. Additionally there are group tours every day, by appointment. In the Keringhuis there is a restaurant with a wonderful view of the Maeslant Barrier and the New Waterway. There is a jetty where you can moor your boat. Moreover, various arrangements are possible.
Rijkswaterstaat (National Public Works and Water Management Department), the province of Zuid-Holland and the Hoogheem Community Board of Delfland participate in the Keringhuis, Public Water Centre.
Address:
Het Keringhuis, Publiekscentrum Water
Maeslantkeringweg 139 Havennummer 882
(GPS = Slachthuisweg)
3151 ZZ Hoek van Holland
Tel.: +31 (0) 174 51 12 22
Opening hours:
Monday - Fridy 10.00-16.00 uur
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 11.00-17.00 uur
Closed on 1 January, 25 December and 31 December
Admission: Free
Prins Hendrikstraat 281
3151 AK - Hoek van Holland
Tel: +31 (0) 174 519 570
Opening hours:
Monday - Saturday (9.30-17.00 pm)
Idea and Design by PixTures Visuele Communicatie
