Small impression of the Wereldhavendagen Rotterdam 2016

On 2, 3, and 4 September 2016, the annual Wereldhavendagen (loosely translated: world harbour days) in Rotterdam was held again. This year's theme is "The smartest port". They wanted to show the visitors the innovations that were made related to the harbor. The main activities are centered around the Erasmus bridge. Some of the highlights are the training rescue mission of a ship, which is taken over by pirates, and the Saturday evening music and light show (starts on 21:00 and ends with spectacular fireworks around 22:30).  You are also allowed to get on board of large boats that are normally closed off for the public. There are also demonstrations by the police, the fire department, and the marines. Everything is free, except for the excursions, which can lead you to far away and interesting places, such as inside large harbor companies and the dyke. In total, 380.000 people had visited on the three days of the Wereldhavendagen 2016.

A small impression of the Saturday afternoon program (14:00-16:00) can be found in the following video that I made.

Next year, it will be the 40th edition and it will be held on 1,2, and 3 September 2017. Mark it on your calendar if you are planning to visit the Netherlands around this time and if you are a total boat fan.   

On all three days, the activities are from 10:00 - 18:00 and the Saturday evening show is from 21:00 - 23:00.