Antwerp and surroundings

Antwerp is more than a port city. You will find a vibrant city life, many shops and of course Belgian conviviality. Due to its long and sometimes turbulent history, Antwerp is also rich in beautiful old monuments. This route takes you through the eastern part of Antwerp and nearby towns such as the green villa village of Hove and the picturesque Vremde where the Dorpsplaats enjoys a protected village view.

In addition to parks and picturesque residential areas, there are also two former forts on your route. They are part of the Defense Line of Antwerp: two rings of forts built between 1859 and 1914. The inner fort belt consisted of the 8 Brialmont forts. Already during the First World War, it quickly became clear to the Belgians that these forts could no longer withstand the highly modernized German arsenal. Ultimately, the forts hardly played a significant role in defense. In Mortsel you pass Fort 4, in Wommelgem you pass Fort 2. Both forts are open to a limited extent, especially Fort 2.

At the end of your route you will pass through the largest city park in Antwerp: Rivierenhof. The name refers to the river De Grote Schijn that meanders through the park. The domain was built as a country retreat in the sixteenth century. You will find valuable trees there, including a real redwood tree in the middle of the park. There are also some ponds in the park. Garden enthusiasts can take a break to admire the rose garden or azalea garden, among other things.

In and around Rivierenhof there are various monumental buildings, such as Sterckshof Castle from the sixteenth century. Rivierenhof Castle was built in 1779, but its origins date back to the sixteenth century.