Rotterdam & The Hague (The Dutch Duo)

The Flight Experience This region offers a striking "Tale of Two Cities" flight experience within a single 10-minute VFR hop. You have Rotterdam, a modern, vertical city rebuilt from the ashes of WWII with bold skyscrapers, contrasted against The Hague, the regal seat of government defined by historic brick architecture and a massive coastline.

The central hub is Rotterdam The Hague Airport (EHRD). It is a favorite for simmers because it sits uniquely below sea level (like much of the country) and serves as a perfect midpoint. The approach is almost always scenic: you are either flying over the geometric tulip fields to the north or the immense industrial grit of the port to the south.

Visual Highlights

• The Port of Rotterdam (Europoort): This is the largest seaport in Europe and a massive visual feature in the sim. Stretching 40km from the city center to the North Sea, the endless rows of cranes, containers, and docked tankers look impressive from 2,000ft.

• Erasmus Bridge (The Swan): The distinct white, angled pylon of this cable-stayed bridge is the visual anchor of Rotterdam. It marks the transition from the river to the city center.

• Scheveningen Pier (The Hague): On the coast, this pleasure pier with its Ferris wheel and bungy tower is unmistakable. It marks the resort district of The Hague and is a great visual checkpoint for coastal flying.

• The Peace Palace: Located in The Hague, this neo-Renaissance building (home to the International Court of Justice) stands out with its steep slate roof and garden layout amidst the city grid.

• Kinderdijk Windmills: Just east of Rotterdam, this UNESCO site features 19 authentic 18th-century windmills lining the canals. They are small but distinct landmarks that test your low-level VFR spotting skills.

Pilot’s Note: Fly the "Coast-to-Port" Transition. Start at the seaside resort of Scheveningen in The Hague. Follow the coastline south at 1,000ft past the dunes until you hit the massive Hook of Holland (Hoek van Holland) ferry terminal. Then, turn inland and follow the New Waterway ship canal upstream. You will fly directly over the massive container ships of the Europoort, eventually ending up right at the Erasmus Bridge in downtown Rotterdam.