Excursion The ruien: underground waterway tour tour at Antwerp

Bizarre. Unexpected. Wildly fascinating. Cool! These are just a few of the adjectives takers of this guided walk through Antwerp’s underground “Ruien” waterways tend to use to describe their experience. Spend two hours strolling under the city on this tour, and add your adjectives to the list!

The hidden warren of vaults, bridges, corridors, and canals you’ll be exploring is a true time capsule of history. In the Middle Ages, Antwerp was crisscrossed by an intricate network of above-ground waterways. First dug as a defensive system, these canals later served as an inland harbor and for potable water transport. In time, they were covered over and repurposed as a closed sewer system. Eventually, they became obsolete and forgotten – hidden away, frozen in time. Thanks to recent city renovations, they’re now accessible to visitors, and the time capsule is reopened.  

Your experience begins with an escorted walk from the pier to the Ruien entrance, where you’ll receive an introductory briefing and be equipped with waterproof boots, protective pants and jacket, and a small backpack for personal belongings. The canals’ temperature averages 13°C to 16°C (55°F to 60°F), so dress for coolness and in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Leave behind anything extraneous – including your camera, since photography is not permitted. But by all means, remember to bring your imagination. And your taste for one-off adventure

Points of interests

Points of interest seen include: The Ruien underground canals

Note

Please note: This extensively active excursion includes 2-3km /1.25-1.85 mi of walking over paved and cobblestone streets and underground, with multiple stairways and slippery surfaces involved. The tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair or have limited mobility. Wear clothing that can become dirty. Photography is NOT allowed when underground. In the event of heavy rain, this tour may be canceled for safety reasons.