Antwerp Harbor and Lilo Port Centre

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Explo writer

Aug

32635 pts.

Off the path Explo

76 %

Off the path Explo rate

Score

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This is an impressive Explo! And quite off the beaten track.
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- Description
  
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  5 / 5
  
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  Good description and tips.
- Plans & useful information
  
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  2.5 / 5
  
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  Useful information is ok. Any plan?
- Pictures
  
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  A pic.
- Precise localization on map
  
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  5 / 5
  
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  Yes.
- 1 specific article for 1 specific spot
  
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  5 / 5
  
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  Yes.
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Discover the 2nd largest harbor of Europe (and also the 5th in the world !)

My experience, Explo description:

Located at the entrance of the Escaut river, going deep inside the european land, Antwerp harbor has also been a strategic place.

Before the 19th century, the harbor was located at the entrance of the city (where now stands the Steen castle).

Then, the port was enlarged in the 19th century with an artificial dock (also called Napoleon dock because he planned to use Antwerp as a military harbor to invade England).

Now, Antwerp is the 2d largest harbor in Europe, with 160 millions tons of goods. Every year, about 15,000 ships and 64,000 barges accost there. The harbor is employs also 140,000 people, concentrating about 12% of the national GDP…

Many roads go accross the harbour. You can easily take your car to drive around and visit the harbor. The BASF chemical area, at the north of the harbor, is particularly impressive.

My personal recommendations:

Go to the Lilo Port Centre. This is a little exhibition center where some local volonteer will teach you more about the harbor. They can also organize tours for you. For so, please call in advance. Have a look at the building : it is also an emergency shelter in case of accidents in the (chemical) industry within the harbour. The auditorium can be hermetically sealed so that visitors are safe. If necessary, the Port Centre can be used as a centre for disaster control by the provincial government and the emergency services.

How getting there:

Lilo Port Center:
Scheldelaan 444 Port 621
2040 Antwerp
België

A tip to eat:

Just opposite to the centre, go to the old Lillo fort. It hosts a lovely little village, an harbor, and a tavern where you can eat. Opposite to the fort, on the other side of the river, you can also see the other fort that controlled the entrance of the river.

Useful information:

Open hours:

Lilo Port Centre:
8.30am to 4.30pm

Contact:

Lilo Port Centre:
Tel: 00 32 3 569 90 12
Fax: 00 32 3 569 90 39

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