Introduction

These three categories of nature parks, reserves and recreation will be discussed together as many of the reserves are large and offer something of all categories. There are over 58 parks and gardens in the Rotterdam / Zuid Holland area offering every type of recreational pursuit. When you are surrounded completely by people, cars, trams and buildings in the city it is a wonderful escape to recharge batteries and spend time with friends and family. Throughout the reserves there are cycle paths, lakes for swimming, surfing or windsurfing, play areas, cafe's, exercise areas, sports centres, and natural woodland and native wildlife.


Nature parks, reserves & recreation areas

Rottemeren Reserve, Blieswijk
This is a very large natural reserve that encompasses Bleiswijk, Bergschenoek and Zevenhuizen, offering a multitude of outdoor experiences. There are six recreation areas in the Rottemeren reserve:

Bleiswijkse Zoom (244ha, Bleiswijk),
Hoge Bergse Bos (242ha, Bergshenhoek),
Lage Bergse Bos (215ha, Bergshenhoek),
Zevenhuizen Zoom (162ha, Zevenhuizen),
Zevenhuizen plas (258ha, Zevenhuizen), and
Nessebos (39ha, Ommoord).
website - www.recreatiegebied-rottemeren.nl/

Kralingse Bos, Kralingen
In the heart of Kralingen and just 10 minutes from central Rotterdam lies the Kralingse Bos, it is a man-made park complete with artificial lake (Kralingse Plas). It was laid out in the 1930's and comprises some 200 hectares. In this reserve you can sail, cycle, walk and eat in the two restaurants or have pancakes at the pancake house, feed the deer and have an ice-cream nearby. Cycle paths link throughout the park as do the walking tracks. There is also a large stable (Menage) and as a result you will find sand tracks throughout the park. You can also find a children's climbing fort, recently relocated close to the Schoene Lei restaraunt/brasserie. Down further is a large children's play area with enclosed shallow pool and a fort built in the sand.

Rhoonse Grienden, Rhoon
This reserve is a marshland with flora and fauna native to it's environment, the walking paths wind around the marshland area through woodland, willows, dijks and over wooden bridges. Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Biesbosch National Park, Dordrecht
This natural parkland is 9000 hectares and possibly the largest natural reserve in Holland, with 6 kilometres of walking track and only 20 minutes drive south from Rotterdam. You can navigate the reserve by canoeing, walking, riding or by riverboat. Visit the Biesbosch Information Centre and find out about the wildlife in the park, book a tour, eat at the cafe and learn about the beavers and various childrens' activities, or view a multimedia presentation. The website link below has an English translation.
website - www.biesbosch.org/


Activity parks & facilities

Outdoor valley
Outdoor valley is an activity pursuit centre where you can take a survival course, bike, canoe, climb and race. There is camping available for those serious about their outdoor pursuits as well as trekking and climbing tours or learn about orienteering. Located in the Rottemeren area.
website - www.outdoorvalley.nl

Outdoor ski
The Ski & Skate Centrum is located in Bergshenhoek and is not a natural mountain but a slope for skiing and snowboarding. This winter the company have invested in a new 'snow mat' which (apparently) gives the closest impression to real snow.
website - www.outdoorski.nl