As a result of the strict corona measures, the Ruien will close its doors from Thursday October 29th 2020 until Thursday 20 May 2021 (subject to a possible delay). Interactive tablet walkswill start again from Friday 21 May.
All guided walks in the Ruien, including the combined tour of the Ruien and the Sint-Carolus Borromeus church, will not take place until further notice is given. All bookings in this closing period will be cancelled. Rebookings can be made up to one year after the original visit date. Visitors who have purchased a ticket or have made a group reservation for this period will be informed about the above by e-mail.
We are, of course, still available at reservaties@deruien.be for all your questions and new reservations for dates after the closing period. We are looking forward to welcome you back. In the meantime, take good care of yourself and the people around you.
Below the city the secrets flow
The sewers, otherwise known as De Ruien, are a shadow of the rich history above ground. Sewers, streams and fortifications have crisscrossed Antwerp ever since the Middle Ages. This network of both natural and man-made waterways provided the city with water and an internal harbour.
When the sewers were turned into covered drains this unique piece of heritage disappeared both from view and from our memories.
You can now rediscover this hidden patrimony. The subterranean network of passages still gives us an idea of its rich and exciting past. A visit to De Ruien, with its old vaults, canals, bridges, sewers and drains reflects the historic city centre above you, with plenty of interesting facts and curious anecdotes from a distant and more recent past. We take you on a strange walk deep in the belly of Antwerp!
The City of Antwerp has entrusted the exploitation of the Ruien to WerkmMaat vzw, a social employment project and Zanzibar bvba, an Antwerp eventmarketing agency.
Both partners created a new elan, with investments in service, infrastructure and experience.
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120minutes
Important notice: in order to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, all guided day visits and nocturnes have been canceled until further notice.
Immerse yourself in a piece of Antwerp’s subterranean history
A professional guide will take you to the darkest corners of the underground water system. The walk continues in the semi-darkness along covered streams, fortifications and drains. The vaults from the Middle Ages reveal their secrets at each step.
Group walks start at 10h15/13h30/14h30.
Night visits start at 17h/18h.
90minutes
Important notice: in order to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, all interactive tablet walks have been cancelled up to May 21th 2021 (subject to a possible delay).
Be amazed by the secrets of De Ruien
Get going and be guided by the facts and fables revealed by your tablet at each stop. Discover the rich history of this riverside city and meet its underground inhabitants.
The tours start at 11h/13h/15h.
15minutes
Boat tours will be possible again starting from May 21st 2021!
Take in the ambiance in
a small piece of
subterranean Antwerp
Disappear deep into the belly of the city and take in the ambiance in a small part of De Ruien. Climb aboard the little boat and don’t be shy to sail into the past. Take a peek at the dark side of Antwerp’s glorious history with your own eyes.
Reservations and tickets online
Day visit
Night visit
Interactive trip with a tablet
Tickets at the box office
Temporary not available.
Info
Only limited spots are available for every walk and boat trip.
*To assure your place for the Interactive walk with a tablet, book online.
Questions? Call us on +32 (0)3 344 07 55 or send an e-mail to reservaties@deruien.be.
Ruihuis
Suikerrui 21
2000 Antwerp
De Ruien can be reached on foot, by bike (bike station at Steenplein), by public transport: tram 3, 4, 5, 9, 15 and bus N2, N32, 22, 180, 181, 182, 183 (get off at Groenplaats)
By car: parking Zuiderterras or Car Park at the Grote Markt – E. Van Dijckkaai 3, Antwerp
Beware: The Ruien are part of a low emission zone. Since 2017/02/01 all cars need to fulfil the conditions for admission to enter the city.
For more information go to : www.slimnaarantwerpen.be
Ruihuis
Suikerrui 21
2000 Antwerpen