The lowest point of the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a flat country and very low compared to sea level. 26% of the country is below sea level and a much larger part is vulnerable to flooding. In the southeast (province of Limburg) the heights are exceptionally high by Dutch standards, with the Vaalserberg (323 metres) being the highest point in the European part of the Netherlands. Furthermore, there are some low hill ranges in central and eastern parts of the country. However, the vast majority of the country is located very low, with the Zuidplaspolder as the lowest point. This polder is located northeast of Rotterdam (province of Zuid-Holland) and reaches a depth of 6.76 metres below average sea level (NAP).

Along with Lammefjord in Denmark, this place is also the lowest point of the European Union. Until the 19th century, there was a lake in this area, which was drained in the early 1840s. There used to be uncertainty about the location of the lowest point in the Netherlands. This came to an end in 1995, when a measurement showed that it is in the Zuidplaspolder, located 6.74 metres below sea level. In 1998, a monument was unveiled on the edge of this meadow along the A20 highway. In 2005, the height was adjusted to 6.76 metres below sea level.