Stads-GR Antwerpen: East to West

Antwerp is the only city in Flanders with its own small GR network, called Stads-GR Antwerpen. This network combines 3 trails: Stads-GR Antwerpen Rondom, Stads-GR Antwerpen East to West, and Stads-GR Antwerpen North to South. This last one fully runs along a section of the GR12, which is therefore not seen as a separate ‘Stads-GR’ route.

The ‘Stads-GR Antwerpen East to West’ connects Linkeroever, on the left bank of the river Scheldt (that runs through the city) with Rivierenhof, a beautiful big park on the outer West side of Antwerp. In Rivierenhof the trailhead of the GR565 Sniederspad is located. The ‘Stads-GR Antwerpen East to West’ is, next to a beautiful route through the city, also a connection for the GR565 to the city center of Antwerp.

Starting on the left bank of Antwerp, the trail begins strongly by walking through the ‘Sint-Annatunnel.’ Don’t forget before entering the tunnel to admire the view of the skyline of Antwerp first. The Sint-Annatunnel, or known as the pedestrian tunnel, is a historic 90+ year-old tunnel connecting the left bank and right bank without blocking the traffic of the Port of Antwerp. This tunnel is primarily known for its wooden authentic escalators that can be used to descend to 31m below the river Scheldt.

After arriving at the right bank, the trail greets you with a little area filled with small shops and boutiques before heading to the main street with all the larger clothing brands. At the end of the street lies the Central Station of Antwerp. It is an imposing building that has been voted as one of the most beautiful stations in the world. The trail takes you through the station, so make sure to admire the main hall with its beautiful dome.

Leaving the central station at its backside, the trail runs next to the big walls of the Antwerp Zoo and enters a residential district. After crossing a bridge over the highway, you immediately enter the park ‘Rivierenhof’ which is the ending point of this trail. Make sure to drink a coffee or a hot chocolate on the terrace of ‘Kasteel Rivierenhof’ and enjoy the supplementary cookie ‘Antwerpse handjes,’ an artisanal cookie that can only be bought in Antwerp itself (and so delicious!).

Belgium has moderate temperatures year-round. Therefore this trail can be walked any time of year. During the winter, around December until February/March it can be cold and occasionally snowy. During the summer months, from June until September, the temperatures are higher. However, the weather can be unpredictable so one should always be prepared for rain.

The ‘Stads-GR Antwerpen’ runs through Antwerp’s city center, making the trail very accessible and not technically or physically demanding. The trail is marked in both directions but due to the numerous streets and alleys, it’s easy to miss one. Do make sure to download the GPX file to make sure you don’t get lost. There is no official map or Topoguide.