Hoek van Holland Haven station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Station Hoek van Holland Haven
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| Location | Netherlands | |||||
| Operated by | Nederlandse Spoorwegen | |||||
| Line(s) | Schiedam–Hoek van Holland railway | |||||
| Platforms | 6 | |||||
| Construction | ||||||
| Architect | M.A. van Wadenoijen | |||||
| Other information | ||||||
| Station code | Hld | |||||
| History | ||||||
| Opened | 1 June 1893 | |||||
| Electrified | 1935 | |||||
| Services | ||||||
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Hoek van Holland Haven (which means Hook of Holland Harbour) is a special railway station located in the Netherlands. It's famous because it connects train travelers directly to ferry boats. These boats sail across the sea to Harwich International in England.
Contents
What is Hoek van Holland Haven?
Hoek van Holland Haven is more than just a train station. It acts as a vital link for people traveling between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Imagine stepping off a train and walking straight onto a large ship! That's what happens here.
A Gateway to England
This station is a key part of the "Dutchflyer" service. The Dutchflyer is a combined ticket that lets you travel by train and then by ferry. It's a popular way for tourists and locals to cross the North Sea.
Connecting Trains and Ferries
The main purpose of Hoek van Holland Haven is to make travel easy. It connects the Schiedam–Hoek van Holland railway line with the Stena Line ferry service. This means you can start your journey by train and finish it by boat.
History of the Station
The Hoek van Holland Haven station has been around for a long time. It first opened its doors on 1 June 1893. This shows how important the connection between trains and ferries has been for over a century.
Early Days and Development
When it first opened, the station helped people travel for trade and holidays. Over the years, it has been updated to handle more passengers. In 1935, the railway line became electrified. This meant trains could run on electricity, making them faster and cleaner.
Who Designed It?
The original station building was designed by an architect named M.A. van Wadenoijen. Architects are people who plan and design buildings. His design helped create a functional and welcoming space for travelers.
Who Operates the Services?
Two main companies work together at Hoek van Holland Haven. They make sure your journey is smooth and easy.
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) is the national railway company of the Netherlands. They operate the trains that arrive at and depart from the station. NS trains connect Hoek van Holland Haven to other cities in the Netherlands.
Stena Line Ferries
Stena Line is a large ferry company. They operate the big ships that sail between Hoek van Holland and Harwich. These ferries are like floating hotels, with cabins, restaurants, and shops. They carry both passengers and vehicles.
Traveling from Hoek van Holland Haven
When you travel from this station, you get a unique experience. You start your journey on land and then continue it on the sea.
On the Train
Trains from NS bring you right to the ferry terminal. The station has six platforms, which means many trains can arrive and depart. This helps keep things moving smoothly.
On the Ferry
Once you board the Stena Line ferry, you'll find many facilities. The journey across the North Sea usually takes several hours. It's a great way to relax and enjoy the sea views before reaching England.
