THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard Rotterdam’s innovative Wikkelboats for a 45-minute tour of Rijnhaven’s floating architecture and sustainable urban development. Discover the future of living on water while enjoying refreshments and expert insights.
Step aboard Rotterdam’s innovative Wikkelboats for a 45-minute tour of Rijnhaven’s floating architecture and sustainable urban development. Discover the future of living on water while enjoying refreshments and expert insights.
Book with Wikkelboat
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wikkelboat · Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland
Experience a fresh perspective on urban innovation with the Discovery Tour Wikkelboats & Rijnhaven in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This 45-minute floating tour offers a unique look at how sustainable design and waterborne architecture are shaping the future of city living along the bustling Rijnhaven harbor.
Situated on the water at Antoine Platekade 995, the Wikkelboats are revolutionary floating structures crafted primarily from recycled cardboard, showcasing an inventive approach to multifunctional spaces. These compact boats stand apart for their eco-friendly design and adaptability, acting as mobile meeting rooms, offices, and gathering spots that redefine how urban spaces can integrate with waterways.
Your tour begins as you step aboard one of these distinctive Wikkelboats, where refreshments like coffee, tea, or a soft drink await. From this intimate vantage point, guides share the story behind the Wikkelboats’ conception and construction, explaining the sustainable materials and vision that contribute to Rotterdam’s ambitious plans for the Rijnhaven’s transformation. You’ll discover how these floating units operate 24/7 and endure the city’s climate while enhancing its waterfront appeal.
Beyond the impressive craft, this experience provides insights into Rijnhaven itself—a former port area evolving into a vibrant, eco-conscious district. The tour explores the Floating Office and other innovative concepts currently active in the harbor, highlighting how Rotterdam pioneers blending urban regeneration with water-based living.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see these floating marvels up close from inside, outside, and even beneath, giving you a hands-on grasp of the engineering and design at play. It’s an invitation to witness firsthand a progressive step toward sustainable urban development that many cities aspire to but few have realized on this scale.
The proximity to Rotterdam’s city center makes it an ideal addition to any itinerary. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s rich maritime history and contemporary culture while appreciating how innovation shapes its waterfront. Accessibility is straightforward—just arrive at the Wikkelboats’ dock where the friendly team will welcome you aboard.
Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, sustainability advocate, or culture seeker, this tour delivers a compact, engaging window into the future of living and working on the water. It’s not just a boat ride; it’s an educational journey layered with innovation, community vision, and Rotterdam’s unyielding drive for progress in urban design.
easy.
45 minutes.
Suitable for all fitness levels — minimal physical exertion required.
Yes, guests aged 8 and older are welcome to join the tour.
Refreshments are provided, and bringing your own drinks is generally not necessary.
The tour starts at Antoine Platekade 995 in Rijnhaven, at the dock where the Wikkelboats are moored.
Unfortunately, the tour and boats are not wheelchair accessible.
Absolutely, photography is encouraged to capture the innovative design and views.
Pets are typically not allowed unless specified otherwise by the tour operator.
Rijnhaven was originally constructed as a commercial port, now revitalized as a sustainable urban waterfront district.
The Wikkelboats use recyclable materials, reflecting Rotterdam’s commitment to environmentally friendly urban development.
Wikkelboat is a Rotterdam-based operator offering waterborne rentals and experiences in Rijnhaven and Wijnhaven. The company provides a range of rentable craft including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and Schiller waterbikes. Rentals are available for one or two hours for many activities; some kayak options extend up to eight hours. Wikkelboat also operates themed experiences such as harbour wellness with a floating barrel sauna, hot tub and ice bath, Discovery Tours highlighting floating architecture like the Wikkelboats and the Floating Office, and combined bike-lounge outings that include refreshments. All experiences emphasize safety, local regulations, and respectful use of Rotterdam’s historic harbors. Booking information and time options are presented per trip: for example, canoe rentals accommodate two to three people, SUP sessions typically last up to two hours, and waterbikes can be used by solo riders or pairs. Wikkelboat’s offerings suit families, solo explorers and small groups seeking low-noise, eco-friendly urban water activities. The business operates from Rotterdam in Zuid-Holland and features routes and meeting points in Wijnhaven and Rijnhaven. Staff provide equipment briefings, safety guidance and basic orientation before departures. Wikkelboat’s Discovery Tours focus on sustainable design and area development, giving visitors up-close views of innovative floating concepts. The operator also offers opportunities to combine activities with lounge access or overnight stays near floating units. Reservations, duration options and safety rules vary by trip and are provided at booking. Visitors can book online, by phone or on-site; pricing, availability and safety requirements are listed per experience, with contact options provided.
Book with Wikkelboat