St. Anna’s Tunnel (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is St. Anna’s Tunnel?
What makes it 62% Baby-Friendly: Large lifts allow strollers and the floor is flat, but zero diaper stations, nursing rooms, or benches and the risk of an out-of-service elevator force parents to carry supplies and contingency plans.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly route: The flat tunnel floor and lifts let you avoid steep escalators.
- Free experience: All tunnel access and the ferry ride are complimentary.
Challenges:
- No baby-care stations: There are no changing tables or nursing rooms inside the tunnel.
- Elevator maintenance: Occasional elevator closures force you to carry a baby up the escalator.
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 with baby?
- Use the art-deco lift for a stroller-friendly under-river crossing
- Push through the 572 m tiled tunnel on a flat, well-lit path
- Enjoy free play at the ship-parts outdoor museum on Linkeroever
- Return on a free ferry with scenic city views
- Plan around elevator hours and pack layers for your baby
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Why 1–2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to cross under the river, explore the Linkeroever bank, and return by ferry without rushing with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in St. Anna’s Tunnel
Take the art-deco elevator:
Use the lift to go 31 m under the Scheldt river with your stroller.
Tip: Check elevator status before you go; the wooden escalators forbid strollers.
Push your stroller through the tiled tunnel:
Walk the 572 m flat, well-lit corridor from one bank to the other.
Tip: Bring a lightweight stroller for an easy push and a smooth ride.
Play at the ship-parts outdoor museum:
Let your baby explore buoys, anchors, and playground features on Linkeroever.
Tip: The area is free and shady—bring a blanket and snacks.
Return on the free ferry:
Hop on the ferry back to the city bank at sunset for city views.
Tip: Ferries run every 30 min until 9 pm on weekends, 6 pm on weekdays.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St. Anna’s Tunnel
- Check online elevator hours: Visit the venue’s website or call to confirm lift availability.
- Arrive early: Beat afternoon crowds for smoother stroller passage.
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 winter, the tunnel stays chilly—dress your baby in layers. In rain, the elevator may run slower; allow extra time.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tunnel & elevator access | EUR 0 |
| Ferry ride back | EUR 0 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 0 |
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
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides St. Anna’s Tunnel (Antwerp)?
About St. Anna’s Tunnel
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with baby
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities