Original outing in Rotterdam: abseiling from the Euromast
August 26, 2024
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Do you already know the historic Schoonoord Garden, the hidden gem in Rotterdam? Read on quickly and be surprised by this green fairy tale. If you are familiar with The Park at the Euromast, you know that it is a popular place for a walk. It is one of the parks we visit every day. It is right between the two of us, making this easily the place where we meet for a nice walk. So you would think that we know all the spots here, but nothing could be further from the truth. Hidden behind an 18th-century gate, you'll find on Kievitslaan, in fact, the Historic Garden Schoonoord. We came here for the first time (!) and we are already enchanted by this beautiful 'fairytale forest' in Rotterdam.
Schoonoord: green oasis on the edge of The Park
A protected national monument, Schoonoord Park in Rotterdam is literally a quiet oasis in busy Rotterdam. There are hundreds of plant species and it is home to 8 bee colonies, Japanese carp in the pond, a tawny owl and kingfishers, among others. The Schoonoord Historic Garden is a small park about 1.2 acres in size. This makes it much smaller than the adjacent Euromast Park. But it is precisely this small scale and the hidden character, make Schoonoord a unique place in Rotterdam to come. As such, it is a treasure trove for green lovers.
Flora and fauna in Schoonoord
The Schoonoord Historic Garden is rich in flora and fauna. The eye-catcher of the garden is the giant Lebanon cedar from 1860. But the pond in the middle that is filled with Japanese carp also catches the eye. When we visited the garden it was cold and there was snow, but we can imagine that it would be lovely to take a seat on one of the benches around the pond. On the other hand, with the snow, it was fairytale-like!
While strolling through the little park, you will pass by old vines, a Japanese ginko, a fig tree, Gunnera plants, a trumpet tree, a wingnut and an American tulip tree. Some of the trees in the park are as much as 200 years old! There are also 10 bee hives (hence the hives!) and a large aviary. The park is not crowded, so you are sure to find a nice and quiet spot in the Schoonoord garden.
Former Rust and Lust
The Schoonoord estate dates back as far as the first half of the eighteenth century. Originally, the garden was called "Rust en Lust. It was located on the former Nieuwewerksdijk, now Parklaan 15. In the year 1816, the park was named Schoonoord. It then included a mansion, carriage house, stables, gardener's house a teahouse and several greenhouses. The teahouse with dome has since made way for the Parkflat, but the garden has fortunately been preserved and can be visited publicly for the public.
Opening hours of Schoonoord
The Schoonoord Historical Garden is tucked away at Kievitslaan 8, right next to Het Park, diagonally across from the Kunsthal and the Natural History Museum in Rotterdam. The park is open 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. During events in Het Park, Schoonoord is closed. You can bring your dog to Schoonoord, but on a leash!
View the website of Garden Schoonoord to learn more about the historic garden.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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