Scheldt River – East Side to Noordkasteel

There’s enjoyable running on both banks of the Scheldt River in Antwerp, with multiple distance options and side routes to other sites and running spots. This route highlights the east side of the river, from the Sint-Annatunnel in central Antwerp to the Noordkasteel park, up to 6.5 km one-way. It’s nearly all off-road.

Start at the Sint-Annatunnel, the iconic pedestrian tunnel connecting the east and west sides of the river (wooden escalators!). Head north along the path (Noorderterras Promenade) along the east bank of the river. At 1.2 km, leave the river path to do a 1.7 loop on the paths around the famous Museum aan de Stroom, a striking red sandstone museum. Continue on Rijnkaai, crossing a small bridge, to Droogdokkenpark. an ecological park on the water with some nice paths. Enjoy a little loop there, and then continue on the main road, crossing the small Royersbrug bridge into Noordkasteel  park, where you can do 1-2 km along the park’s paths.

Add-Ons: Many options. You could do more paths on the east side of the river south of the Sint-Annatunnel, though the path surface is uneven. Or, take the Sint-Annatunnel to the west side. You can also run in Park Spoor Noord, and several roads around the canals just east of the Museum aan de Stroom.