Kralingseplas

Located in the eastern part of Rotterdam, the Kralingse Plas is a lake of about 100 hectares, surrounded by the Kralingse Bos. The lake was formed in the 17th and 18th centuries through peat extraction, where peat soil was removed for fuel. Of the original fifteen peat lakes in the area, only this one remained, as draining it was too expensive due to its depth and surrounding buildings.

In 1895, the lake was officially named Kralingse Plas. Shortly thereafter, the area was developed as a recreational space. The Kralingse Bos was constructed between 1920 and 1953, forming a green zone of about 300 hectares together with the lake.

During World War II, Rotterdam was heavily bombed. Rubble from destroyed buildings was brought here and used to create islands in the lake. These islands are now a key part of the landscape and attract birds, walkers, and nature lovers alike.

On the lake’s shores stand two historic windmills: De Lelie (1740) and De Ster (1886), where spices are still ground today. The Kralingse Plas is popular for sailing, rowing, swimming, and walking, offering views of the city skyline