Middendelfland (12.02.2018)

© Helwig Hauser

© Helwig Hauser

Note that this track has been created from memory, i.e., it was not recorded automatically.

Trip Summary

We started from nearby the main train station in Rotterdam, where we rented a bike. We then headed into northwestern direction in order to get outside of the city. We passed by Vroesenpark and continued further towards the airport of Rotterdam. We crossed through the Park de Buitenplaats and passed by the airport on its southwestern side. Once we arrived at Doenkade, we used the bridge to get over both the highway A13 and the canal Delftsche Schie. On the other (western) side, we got down from the bridge, then following the canal Delftsche Schie northwards in its western side. Near Kandelaar we turned towards the west, heading into Middendelfland. We then surrounded the more urban area in its north, following some very nice little roads through a nice rural area. Shortly, after crossing the next highway (A4), we came to another somewhat bigger canal Vlaardingervaart, which we then followed a little in northern direction. Near Duifpolder, we found a manually operated ferry that would bring us to the other, western side of Vlaardingervaart. Not an everyday thing, to move oneself (and the ferry!) over to the other side by turning a level (many times!). We then continued further into western direction until we came to Maaslandse Dam. After a short stretch on this dam, we turned south, continuing to Maasland. From there, it was short and fast to Maassluis, where we also enjoyed a little lunch. We then took the biking path along the Maas into eastern direction, bringing us back towards Rotterdam. We passed by Vlaardingen on its southern side, connecting further to Schiedam. From there, it was then only a few minutes until we were back at the bike shop, where we had started. All in all, this biking trip into Middendelfland was a very nice surprise (only partially expected): this rural area, north of the more urban areas along the Maas, is really very nice and worth a visit! :-)

Useful Resources

See also the related FB-page Hiking around Bergen, Norway.