Waterways route

Waterways route

Three waterways - the Albert Canal, the Kempen Canal Schoten-Turnhout-Dessel and the Antitankgracht - form a blue frame around the Voorkempen, as it were. Cycle paths on the banks of a river or waterway guarantee a quiet and safe ride.

Starting point: Near the lock complex, Stokerijstraat 1, 2110 Wijnegem (junction 24)

The locks of Wijnegem

Junction 24 - The Albert Canal on Wijnegem's territory was completed in 1934, after the excavation and widening of the Kempen canal. Shipping has been greatly modernized and evolved in recent decades. Large motorized boats and barges required new quay walls and real push barges. After 30 years, the canal has been adjusted and widened again. The final piece is the push barge lock, which took four years to build and was inaugurated in 1994. It is one of the six lock complexes of the Albert Canal, which is 130 km long. The height difference here is 56 m. The large push lock is 126 m long and 24 m wide. Three locks currently have to bridge a drop of 5m70.
We take the towpath, cycle under the bridge and pass an old mill.

Junction 22 - To the right of this junction we see the Castle Kyckuit and to the left the village center of Wijnegem. We continue to follow the towpath until the confluence of the Albert Canal and the Kempens Canal in Schoten.

Scottish boat

Junction 16 - From here we follow the Schoten-Turnhout-Dessel canal (also called the Schotense canal). The Kempens canal was dug during the period 1854 - 1873. It has a length of 63 km. Ten locks regulate the height difference. At the time, it was the most important thoroughfare for the brick industry further afield. On this part we cycle past five locks. On the left we first pass the village center of Schoten. On the other side we notice the mooring place for pleasure boats.

Node 41 - We reach Sluis 6, with a drawbridge.

Anti-tank ditch

Junction 41 to 42 - The Antitankgracht formed part of the eastern defense line around Antwerp. She has a length of 33 km  and runs from Oelegem to Berendrecht. It was built between 1937 and 1939.
We are now driving through a wooded area with the private domain La Garenne on the right, a nature reserve of 430 hectares. The owner is involved in wildlife management.

Junction 42 - We cross Sint-Jobsteenweg. Here we can turn towards node 43 to take a look at the castle of's-Gravenwezel.

Node 45 - We continue cycling through the most beautiful, unspoilt nature reserve on the route. A few bunkers and a bunker lock are the only structures that we discover in the area. Until we arrive at the fort of's-Gravenwezel and the associated bungalow park Schildestrand. Along the route are two forts (\\\'s-Gravenwezel and Oelegem) and a redoubt at Schilde. The forts were built between 1906 and 1912.

Node 26 - At node 26 we choose direction 25 and thus reach the Dobbelhoeve. You can buy organically grown vegetables on the farm. There is also a milk machine with fresh organic farm milk and a picnic table. Back on the route we come south to the fortress of Oelegem, known as a wintering place for bats.

Node 57 - To the right in the woods is the Provincial Groendomein Vrieselhof. A pleasant park with a castle in Flemish Renaissance style and a tavern.

Junction 56 - This inlet of the Albert Canal was once the beginning of the planned push-towing canal that would cut through the Voorkempen. After much protest, these plans were scrapped. The cove is now used for water recreation.

Junction 99 - On our right is the village center of Oelegem. The church has a very recognizable tower: a so-called pear spire. Further on is the Stone Mill of Oelegem. Every second Sunday of the month, a windmill breakfast is served here;

Junction 78 - The treatment plants and water reservoirs of the Antwerp Water Works are located along the route. They provide a large part of the Antwerp agglomeration with drinking water.

Node 29 - At node 29 you can take the direction 25 to the Schildehof, a 40 ha walking forest with a flower and bee garden. Only the foundations of the castle remain.

Tourism Voorkempen
Kerkstraat 24, 2970's-Gravenwezel
Phone: +32 (0)3 685 34 21
e-mail: tourism@voorkempen.be

Website Tourism Voorkempen