St. Anna Tunnel
Step back in time at the St. Anna Tunnel, an iconic 1933 passage with unique wooden escalators and stunning Antwerp skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful journey
St. Anna Tunnel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful journey
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the St. Anna Tunnel, an iconic 1933 passage with unique wooden escalators and stunning Antwerp skyline views.
"A truly unique and charming piece of infrastructure! A historical landmark and a popular attraction."
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle
Perfect for pedestrians & cyclists! Enjoy the historic tunnel and great views.
🕰️ Embrace the History
The wooden escalators are a must-see! They're nearly 100 years old.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Wooden Escalators
Tunnel Entrance
Experience a unique step back in time on these original, fully functional wooden escalators.
Underwater Passage
Under the River Scheldt
Walk or cycle through this historic 572-meter tunnel, a marvel of 1930s engineering.
Antwerp Skyline Views
Linkeroever (Left Bank)
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Antwerp's iconic skyline from across the river.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Nostalgia
Cross the Scheldt with Ease
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle
Perfect for pedestrians & cyclists! Enjoy the historic tunnel and great views. 
🕰️ Embrace the History
The wooden escalators are a must-see! They're nearly 100 years old.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning Antwerp skyline from Linkeroever.
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy this unique experience without spending a euro.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Cycle
Perfect for pedestrians & cyclists! Enjoy the historic tunnel and great views.
🕰️ Embrace the History
The wooden escalators are a must-see! They're nearly 100 years old.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning Antwerp skyline from Linkeroever.
💰 It's Free!
Enjoy this unique experience without spending a euro.
🛴 E-Scooter Friendly
E-scooters are allowed, but stick to the 5km/h speed limit (unofficially).
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the St. Anna Tunnel's unique charm, particularly its historic wooden escalators and the stunning Antwerp skyline views from Linkeroever. It's praised as a free, accessible, and memorable experience that offers a glimpse into the past and a beautiful perspective of the city.
"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 of the other side.
The Sint Anna Tunnel, also known as the Pedestrian Tunnel (Voetgangerstunnel) in Antwerp, is a truly unique and charming piece of infrastructure! It's not just a way to get from one side of the Scheldt river to the other; it's a historical landmark and a popular attraction in itself.
Connects Old City with Linkeroever: The tunnel connects the historic city center on the right bank (Rechteroever) with Linkeroever (Left Bank), a residential and recreational area that offers fantastic views of the Antwerp skyline.
Historic Significance: It was opened in 1933 and was a groundbreaking engineering feat for its time. It provided a vital connection for pedestrians and cyclists, as the first Scheldt crossing accessible to them in the city.
Wooden Escalators: The most iconic feature of the Sint Anna Tunnel are its original, beautifully preserved wooden escalators. They are a true step back in time and still function perfectly. Riding them is a unique experience in itself.
Art Deco Design: The entrances on both sides of the river are housed in charming Art Deco buildings. The interior of the tunnel is also quite simple but well-maintained, with its original tiles.
Length: The tunnel is approximately 572 meters (about 1,877 feet) long and goes down to a depth of about 31.5 meters (103 feet) below the ground.
Free to Use: It's completely free to use for pedestrians and cyclists, making it a popular route for commuters and tourists alike.
Views from Linkeroever: Once you emerge on Linkeroever, you're treated to a spectacular panoramic view of Antwerp's city center, including the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Havenhuis (Port House). It's a fantastic spot for photos!
If you're ever in Antwerp, taking a trip through the Sint Anna Tunnel is highly recommended for its historical charm."
Mike773 U
"A fantastic experience! The entirely wooden escalators. A masterpiece of engineering."
Peter
"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."
James Bryan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The St. Anna Tunnel is easily accessible from Antwerp's historic city center. You can walk to the entrance on the right bank of the Scheldt River. For those arriving by car, parking is available at P+R Linkeroever on the left bank, and you can then cycle or walk through the tunnel.
Yes, several tram lines stop near the entrance on the right bank. Once you cross to Linkeroever, you can also find public transport options to explore the area further.
Absolutely! The tunnel is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. E-scooters are also permitted, though it's advised to adhere to a slow speed, unofficially around 5 km/h.
Many visitors enjoy walking through the tunnel to fully appreciate its historic ambiance and the unique wooden escalators. Cycling is also a popular option. Consider taking a free ferry back from Linkeroever for a different perspective.
While the main tunnel is accessible, the historic wooden escalators may pose a challenge. There is a lift available, primarily used by cyclists and those with scooters, which can also accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the St. Anna Tunnel is completely free for pedestrians and cyclists. It's a public thoroughfare and a historical attraction that everyone can enjoy.
The St. Anna Tunnel is open 24/7, allowing you to visit at any time. However, the historic wooden escalators might have specific operational hours, though they are generally available.
There is no separate admission fee for the wooden escalators. They are an integral part of the tunnel experience and are free to use along with the rest of the tunnel.
While there aren't typically formal tours of the tunnel itself, its historical significance is often highlighted in broader Antwerp city tours. You can explore it independently at your leisure.
The primary restriction is for motorized vehicles. Pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooters are welcome. Be mindful of other users and maintain a safe speed.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the St. Anna Tunnel. It's a popular spot for capturing unique historical elements like the wooden escalators and the tunnel's architecture.
The wooden escalators themselves are a prime photo opportunity. Once you emerge on Linkeroever, the panoramic view of the Antwerp skyline is spectacular. The Art Deco entrances are also photogenic.
The tunnel has artificial lighting, which can be a bit dim in places. Consider using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod if you plan to take longer exposures.
Drone usage is generally not permitted inside enclosed public spaces like the St. Anna Tunnel due to safety and privacy regulations. Always check local drone laws before flying.
Visitors often capture the unique texture and design of the wooden escalators, the long, tiled passageway of the tunnel, and the impressive city views from the Linkeroever side.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The walk through the tunnel is relatively short, making it manageable for younger children. Once on the Linkeroever side, the open space and the impressive views of the city can be a great spot for kids to run around and explore. Consider bringing a stroller, as the lift can accommodate them, though the escalators themselves are not stroller-friendly. 🚶♀️ Pedestrians & Cyclists
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Don't miss the chance to frame shots of the long, tiled tunnel interior. The real prize, however, is the breathtaking panoramic view of the Antwerp skyline from Linkeroever – a perfect backdrop for wide-angle shots, especially during golden hour. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The St. Anna Tunnel's History
At 572 meters long and descending to a depth of over 31 meters, the tunnel is an impressive underground structure. However, its most enduring and iconic feature is undoubtedly its original wooden escalators. These beautifully preserved escalators, complete with brass teeth on the steps to reduce wear, offer a tangible link to the past and are a major draw for visitors. The tunnel also features a lift, primarily used by cyclists and those with scooters, which provides an alternative to the escalators.
Today, the St. Anna Tunnel remains a vital and beloved part of Antwerp's infrastructure. It continues to serve commuters and tourists alike, offering a free and unique way to traverse the Scheldt. Beyond its practical function, it stands as a testament to historical engineering and a charming attraction that provides a memorable experience for all who pass through it.
Experiencing the St. Anna Tunnel: Tips from Visitors
Once you emerge on the Linkeroever (Left Bank), the reward is the spectacular panoramic view of the Antwerp skyline. This vista, featuring landmarks like the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Port House, is a significant draw and a fantastic spot for photography.
For those using e-scooters or bikes, the tunnel is a convenient route. While officially there's a speed limit, the general consensus is that a relaxed pace is appreciated by all users.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit