Tag: #antwerp

Day 12 Antwerpen

East Entrance to St. Anna’s Tunnel ( which brought me here last night)

The temperature here was to be 30+ today so decided on a rest day. Also, during yesterday’s ride, a past muscle issue had reappeared & added to the decision.

I had a much needed 1 1/2 hearty breakfast before exploring a little of Antwerp City.

Today I was a pedestrian & soon learnt the need to be very aware of the cycle lanes as well as roads. Also, Antwerpen cyclist, scooters, etc. are different from other Belgians – in the old town, with no cycle specific routes to adhere to, they become speed crazy & scary.

The Waterfront

Antwerp’s Giant wheel didn’t impress. Nice but lacks the elegance & grace of its big sister, the London Eye.

Everywhere I went was there was activity, setting up for the 2026 Tall Ships Races which start tomorrow – 11-14July. On the river, newly arrived sailing ships were already drawing crowds & I joined in. Tomorrow, when it all starts, it will likely be manic & very noisy – over one mile of bars & entertainment venues along the waterfront plus many others throughout the city.

A few Blocks from the Waterfront

Brabo Fountain & City Hall behind. Sculpture of legendary Roman soldier, Silvius Brabo. On the right, construction of a large open air stage for this years Tall Ships Race concert
Antwerp Old Town, street scene

The View, big enough for Antwerps low skyline

Day 11 Bruges – Antwerpen

Snuffel Hostel was a great find. Modern, excellent facilities, caters for all pockets & ages & only 7mins walk to Market Square. Typical of city hostels, open 24/7, bar, lots of chill areas & great staff.

I set off around 9am. In theory, 70 flat miles seemed fine although the heat, & thermals/slight headwinds made it that bit tougher. Today was the 1st time, since my joint ops, I’d cycled this distance & was happy with the result. Another big first was, once more I can scoot on my peddle to mount my bike – wonderful!

Foot ferries along the route

Over 90% of today’s ride was traffic free – along purpose built or segregated cycleways – a phenomenal investment which shows how far behind UK are to the Belgians.

I approached Antwerp from the west, through Linkeroever Park expecting a bridge to take me over the Scheldt River to my hotel 3km on. But there was no bridge! What I eventually found was the entrance to Sint-Annatunnel (St. Anna’s Tunnel) Foot Tunnel. This enormous, impressive 1930’s underground construction serves Belgium’s pedestrian & cycling culture perfectly, & by comparison, dwarfs London’s Woolwich Tunnel. To take you down there’s the choice of escalator or lift, then along the infinitely long tunnel by peddling or walking. I took the escalator up (with my bike) & popped out right in the centre of Antwerp life. Unfortunately, too tired to hang around, I headed on to my hotel.