Rotterdam and Kinderdijk, Netherlands, are now meticulously rendered in 3D within Microsoft Flight Simulator, thanks to the release of “City Update 14” on March 21, 2026. The update, available free to owners of both Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and the newly released Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, replaces standard satellite imagery with detailed 3D models of the cities.
The timing of the update coincides with FlightSimWeekend (FSWeekend), a major flight simulation conference being held in Lelystad, Netherlands, from March 20-22, 2026. Microsoft announced the update at the conference, highlighting its commitment to enhancing the visual fidelity of the simulation with locally-created city models.
Key landmarks in Rotterdam, including the Erasmus Bridge, Willems Bridge, and the Markthal, are now accurately depicted in the simulation. Players can also virtually fly along the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk. The update is part of a broader effort to improve the representation of Dutch and Belgian cities within the simulator, with Amsterdam, Brussels, and Eindhoven also receiving detailed 3D enhancements.
“City Update 14” encompasses ten areas of interest (AOIs) utilizing high-fidelity triangulated irregular network (TIN) surface texturing. The Netherlands, bordered by Germany and Belgium, is known for its waterways and economic vibrancy. Beyond Rotterdam and Kinderdijk, the update includes detailed areas in Amsterdam, Breukelen, Brielle, Eindhoven, and Utrecht.
Breukelen, located southeast of Amsterdam, is noted for its 17th-century estates and castles, including Nijenrode Castle. Amsterdam, founded in 1275, features its canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a major hub for maritime trade, technology, and cycling culture. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the Port of Amsterdam are also prominently featured.
Microsoft Flight Simulator has long been a leading simulation program, allowing users to experience virtual flight around the world. Even as previous versions relied heavily on satellite imagery, resulting in less realistic cityscapes, this update marks a significant step towards greater accuracy and immersion for players visiting the Netherlands and Belgium.
