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Village in South Holland, Netherlands
Photo: Joop van Houdt, Attribution via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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Maeslantkering
A storm surge barrier that is one of the largest moving structures in the world. The Maeslantkering is one of a series of surge barriers, locks, and dikes in the Netherlands, further described in the Delta Works article. The visitors' center (het Keringhuis, €2 per person) explains the history of Maeslantkering as well as the wider context of Dutch water management, but exhibits are in Dutch only. Several times per day, guided tours are provided for €4 per person (most are in Dutch, some in English); check the website for time and reservations. It's also possible to get a good, free view of the barrier from the top of the dune next to the visitors center. Once a year (usually in September), the barrier is closed and re-opened for testing. On that day, the place will be relatively crowded.
The Port Authority offers 60- and 90-minute catamaran tours and 60-minute bus tours (€9–11 for the boat or bus tour, €15 combo for both), departing from the visitor center (i.e. you must get to the port on your own).
Europoort Roundtrip
Harbor cruise tour of the port. Reservations recommended.
A bunker-turned-museum about the strategic importance of Netherlands' Atlantic coast in World War II. Hook of Holland was one of the most important places for the Germans to hold in the war because of the harbour. Not in English.
Coastal lighting museum
The 18 km long sand beach is one of the nicest in the Netherlands. Some affordable restaurants and clubs stretch out from the access roads, or you can find a tranquil spot by walking a bit farther along the beach.
Three-star hotel in a former torpedo storage facility.
Hotel in the former vicarage of Hoek.
By public transport
The municipality can be reached by Rotterdam Metro line operated by RET or by bus 31 from Den Haag Leyenburg operated by EBS.
By foot
The Hook of Holland is a hub in the network of European long distance footpaths. It is served by E2 (GR 5), E8 and E9.
By bicycle
It can be reached by bicycle in about 1 hour from The Hague or Delft, and 1½ hours from Rotterdam. The route is flat, but strong wind near the coast can make the ride more difficult.
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Rotterdam · International · RTM
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