St. Anna’s Tunnel (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is St. Anna’s Tunnel?
What makes it 85% Couple-Friendly: Partners can share the vintage escalator ride, stroll hand-in-hand beneath the river, picnic on Linkeroever, and take a sunset ferry back; missing toilets and seating seldom bother healthy adult couples.
Positives:
- Free access: All tunnel features and ferries are complimentary.
- Unique architecture: Art-deco escalators and tiled vaults make memorable photos.
Challenges:
- Limited facilities: No restrooms or benches inside the tunnel; plan bathroom stops beforehand.
- Elevator status: Check lift availability if you prefer not to use escalators.
What is St. Anna’s Tunnel?
- A 572-meter pedestrian tunnel beneath the River Scheldt linking Antwerp’s historic right bank with Linkeroever.
- An engineering landmark completed in 1933 that features original wooden escalators and art-deco passenger elevators.
- A tiled, gently curved concrete passage exemplifying early 20th-century industrial design under the river.
What is so special about St. Anna’s Tunnel for couple trip?
- Ride original 1930s escalators into an art-deco under-river tunnel
- Snap close-up couple portraits against white-tiled walls
- Picnic on Linkeroever bank with Antwerp skyline views
- Catch the free sunset ferry back across the Scheldt
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allow time to ride the escalators, explore the tunnel, picnic on Linkeroever and catch the ferry at sunset.
Couple-Friendly Activities in St. Anna’s Tunnel
Ride the 1930s wooden escalators:
Descend into the river tunnel using the original art-deco escalators and lift.
Tip: Use the lift if you prefer a smoother ride; the escalators offer a vintage feel.
Photograph tile-lined walls:
Capture close-ups of the curved white tiles and vintage lighting for unique portraits.
Tip: Shoot during midday to use the tunnel’s even lighting for crisp images.
Picnic on the Linkeroever bank:
Spread a blanket on the grass with the Antwerp skyline as your backdrop.
Tip: Bring snacks and a light blanket; the best spot is near the ferry dock.
Take the free river ferry:
Return to the city center ferry deck on the free boat running every 30 minutes.
Tip: Time your tunnel exit 5 minutes before departure for the sunset ride.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St. Anna’s Tunnel
- Pack light: Bring only essentials in a small backpack to move easily on escalators.
- Download schedule: Save the ferry timetable to your phone for smooth connections.
Reviews of St. Anna’s Tunnel
N P
What a nice experience the wooden escalators The cyclists are far too fast (definitely not 5 kmh). It's pretty dangerous especially when kids run around.
Mike773 U
September 2025: what an unusual place! Apart from the tunnel built deep underground and running under the water, the escalator is made entirely of wood. There are however brass teeth on the steps of the escalator to reduce wear & tear. Initially descending in a lift minus 32 meters down, the first part of the escalator is out of action. We walked through the tunnel and enjoyed the trip up and out ...
David Newman
A free Pedestrian and cyclist tunnel under the Scheldt river. I was using an old tourist photo set to that my late father had which included the tunnel that was and probably still is a matter of pride in Antwerp. The escalators are of the old wood platform design and there is also a lift mostly used by bikes and scooters. It does feel when the lift door opens someone should shout 'and there off' a...
Peter
A fantastic experience! The entirely wooden escalators. A masterpiece of engineering.
James Bryan
Cool tunnel. We walked across and caught free ferry back after a walk in the park. Nice to see the city from across the river.
When is the best time to visit St. Anna’s Tunnel (Antwerp, Belgium)?
In summer, pair your tunnel walk with a sunset ferry ride; in winter, the tunnel’s steady temperature offers a cozy break from the cold.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tunnel entry | EUR 0 |
| Ferry ride | EUR 0 |
| Picnic supplies | EUR 15 |
| Coffee | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 20 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of St. Anna’s Tunnel
Address: Sint-Annatunnel, Antwerpen, Belgium
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