The Scheldt is the lifeblood of Antwerp. You can admire the wide river from the quays or you can actually experience it for real. Thanks to the free ferry service and DeWaterbus, you can enjoy a mini-cruise for little (or no) money and discover the city from a surprising perspective.
Free ferry: from Het Steen to Linkeroever (Left Bank)
At the pontoon next to Het Steen, get on the free ferry to Linkeroever (Left Bank). Crossing the impressive river Scheldt takes less than ten minutes, with the skyline of Antwerp in one panoramic view before you.
After arriving on the other side, you can walk right to the Sint-Anna beach and the promenade. There you can enjoy wide views, space and tranquillity, with the port as an impressive backdrop. An ideal way to enjoy a spontaneous mini-break in Antwerp.
Tip: you can take your bike with you on board.
DeWaterbus: your mini cruise on the Scheldt
With DeWaterbus, you can explore the Scheldt to the north or the south, cruising comfortably past the city, the port and the polder landscape.
Head northwards and you'll reach the charming port village of Lillo and the historic Fort Liefkenshoek, among others. If you head south, you can discover the green polders of Kruibeke. You can get off at any stop and get on again later: an ideal way to enjoy flexibility on your trip.
Bicycles, wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome on board.
Check DeWaterbus for rates of individual sailings, round-trip passes and day passes.
Why choose a boat trip on the Scheldt?
- Free of charge or budget-friendly
- No reservation required
- A sustainable mode of transport
- Easy to combine with a hike or bike ride
- Unique views of the skyline, port and (hopefully) some passing ships
Travel back to the city in a special way
Want to return to the city from Linkeroever (Left Bank) in a special way? Take the Pedestrian tunnel. The authentic wooden escalators from the 1930s alone make the crossing worthwhile. Cyclists are welcome, as long as they adjust their speed.
Which mini-cruise will you choose?
Scheldt shot: 30 minutes
- A free return trip between the right and left bank
- Ideal as an original lunch break
- Perfect for skyline photos
Beach & skyline: 90 minutes
- With DeWaterbus to Sint-Anna beach
- Walk on top of the dike and enjoy a panoramic view
- Time for a drink or an ice cream?
Cruise to Lillo: half a day
- Cruise with DeWaterbus northwards along the port
- Get off in authentic Lillo
- Combine this with some time on a cafe terrace or a short walk
- Go back to the city, relaxed
Getting away from it all, without leaving Antwerp
No time or budget for a faraway trip? On the Scheldt, that holiday feeling is right there for you to experience. Step aboard for a mini-break and discover how surprisingly versatile Antwerp is from the water.
More activities on and around the water
7 great locations to relax by the water in Antwerp
Looking for tranquillity by the water in Antwerp? Discover 7 beautiful spots along the Scheldt, on Linkeroever (Left Bank) and on the Eilandje for sunsets, picnics and boat rides.