If you want to enjoy the Dutch landscape a hike along the river Rotte is the thing to do. Enjoy it after an evening of clubbing, or any other day you want to escape the maddening crowds. It is not easy to distinguish the Rotte when you’re downtown, but from the Noordplein, you can easily follow its banks walking away from the city center. The Noordplein is a perfect starting point on Saturdays when it is home to Rotterdamse Oogst: a small farmers market. There you can find a variety of fresh fruits, cheeses, and snacks for your hike. Another good starting option is Lof de Zoetheid, a charming café run by mother and daughter, Elena and Anastasia, who are always warm and welcoming.

Burgers & Buitenlui on a hike

After 30-minutes of hiking, Rotterdam will seem quite distant, as you’ll find yourself surrounded by windmills, cows and geese. Face it folks, it doesn’t get more Dutch than this!  Also on the way is the beautiful Crooswijk cemetery as the river begins to meander giving way to an eclectic mix of houses, villas, big and small boats and lots water birds. After about an hour, it becomes noticeable that the river’s water level is much higher than the surrounding polders, letting you see firsthand how the Dutch have truly mastered water engineering. Are you getting hungry yet? Well further on the way is the restaurant De Prins van Terbregge, the perfect stop for fine lunching and a drink.

So what about this hiking? Do you think it’s safe enough for gays? Of course it is! With the right attitude and observational skills, we’re sure you can pull it off. Just have a look the river’s abundance of rowers. The Rotte has four different rowing clubs on or near its banks – perfect for anyone who likes to sightsee. For those interested in form of a different kind, you’ll find quite a few outrageous houses and other buildings scattered along the river, must-sees for any fan of architecture and design. At many of them it is amazingly easy to cast an inquisitive glance inside.

De Rotte in images:

Are you interested in hiking more often? Take a look this article bij 'That Guy From Rotterdam' about the hiking group 'Burgers and Buitenlui' that plans monthly hikes in the Rotterdam area. They’re not just gay-friendly; they’re also straight friendly, so sign up today. At the EventBrite page of the group you will find the next date and destination.

Insider tips:

De Rotte is a popular spot, particularly on Sundays. Want a more solitary hike? Pick a weekday, or a nice Saturday early Spring or in the Autumn/Fall.

If you don’t feel like hiking back: take tram 4 from Hillegersberg back to the city center.

Looking for information or a map of the Rotte? This is a Dutch website with more information.