Onderzeebootloods

Full History & Current Status

The Onderzeebootloods in Rotterdam, also known as the submarine hangar, is a striking relic of the Netherlands’ maritime and industrial history. Built during World War II, this massive hangar was originally designed to house submarines and naval equipment for the German Kriegsmarine during the occupation. Its reinforced concrete walls, steel roof trusses, and vast open interior exemplify wartime engineering and industrial scale.

After the war, the hangar was repurposed by the Dutch navy and local maritime industries. For decades, it served as a storage and maintenance facility, supporting Rotterdam’s port and shipbuilding operations. However, by the late 20th century, the site was abandoned, leaving the enormous hangar empty and slowly succumbing to decay.

Today, the Onderzeebootloods is a magnet for urban explorers, photographers, and graffiti artists. It is frequnetly used for large events including techno festivals. Its colossal interior, rusting steel structures, and dramatic light from broken windows create a highly atmospheric space. While partially fenced and secured, certain areas are accessible for officially sanctioned tours or urban exploration with caution. The juxtaposition of industrial decay, wartime history, and artistic graffiti has cemented the hangar’s reputation as one of Rotterdam’s top urbex destinations.