Hook of Holland (Dutch: Hoek van Holland or De Hoek, literally "The Corner") is a small town on the Nieuwe Waterweg ship canal near the North Sea coast in Rijnmond. It is well connected to the nearby regional hub, Rotterdam. Most notable for travellers is Hook's ferry port, which has had services to the East of England since 1893.

Understand

The Hook of Holland is not an autonomous municipality, but part of the municipality of Rotterdam, although there is an advisory council for local affairs. The settlement came into existence when the Nieuwe Waterweg was dug to create a better waterway from the harbor of Rotterdam to the sea.

Get in

Stena Lines runs daily between Hook and Harwich in Essex. A local ferry operated by RET links Hook of Holland with the Maasvlakte part of the Port of Rotterdam, where the ferry from Hull arrives.

There are two railway stations. Hoek van Holland Haven is close to the town centre and adjacent to the ferry terminal. Hoek van Holland Strand is near the beach. Trains are running at least hourly to Rotterdam Central Station.

There is also a bus service to Rotterdam, but more important is the direct bus service to The Hague (Den Haag).

The Hook of Holland is also a hub in the network of European long distance footpaths. It is served by E2 (GR 5), E8 and E9.

See

• Maeslantkering, Havennummer 882 - Hoek van Holland, ☏ +31 174-511222, info@keringhuis.nl. Storm surge barrier that is one of the largest moving structures in the world. 

Do

• Get naked - The 18 km long beach has a designated section for naturists

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