Maassluis, Maasland and Vlaardingen

Take a trip into the past and explore the places in the Netherlands where fishing once made two cities great. The First City on the Waterway originated as a small settlement around 1340 near a lock on the Meuse. Appropriately, the city was baptized Maassluis. In 1489 the small settlement was heavily plundered, but Maassluis managed to recover well in the following decades. Partly due to fishing, Maassluis subsequently grew into a prosperous village. Through the establishment of the towage company L. Smit & Co, Maassluis gained worldwide fame within that industry. You can see that pride of Maassluis in the harbour, where the old steam tug Furie is anchored, and in the National Towing Museum. Fishing used to play a major role in 'herring city' Vlaardingen. In 2013, the city has other branches that strengthen the economic position of the city, but in Vlaardingen you still see subtle references to the fishing past. For example, on the Grote Visserijplein there is a monument that was erected to honor the many fishermen who died at sea. The route starts and ends at the Delta Hotel. This nice hotel has themed rooms, but also standard rooms. These are fully equipped and it is wonderful to step under the rain shower after your bike ride and rinse off the effort! With a stay in this hospitable hotel you can also enjoy route 133547 the next day, because this cycling tour also starts and ends at this hotel.