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Fort Merksem

Fort Merksem

Highlight • Historical Site

Fort Merksem

Recommended by 78 hikers out of 81

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Location: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Best Hikes to Fort Merksem

4.6

(21)

142

hikers

1. Fort Merksem loop from Tuinwijk

6.00km

01:31

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.8

(4)

hikers

2. Fort Merksem loop from Tuinwijk

3.53km

00:53

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

3.2

(10)

hikers

3. Fort Merksem – Hof van Veltwijck Moated Castle loop from Merksemheide

14.2km

03:35

20m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

Viviane

February 23, 2025

The National Redoubt would consist of 1) a siege rampart, 2) a fort belt and 3) flooding. The fort belt would consist of eight Brialmont forts (built in 1859) in an 18 km long belt from Wijnegem to Hoboken. After the construction of these eight forts it was decided to extend the defensive belt in order to be able to conduct the defense at a greater distance from Antwerp. The construction of the fort was decided by law of 10 January 1870. The fort was built in the period 1871-1882. In the same period the forts Zwijndrecht and Kruibeke were also built. Based on the Franco-German war of 1870 it became clear that a further fort belt was necessary and it was decided to build an outer line, which was adapted to more modern weapons. This last plan was ratified by law of 30 March 1906. This Main Resistance Position included 16 forts and 10 redoubts on the right bank and 5 forts and 2 redoubts on the left bank.

Translated by Google •

Viviane

February 23, 2025

The fort of Merksem is part of the Defence Line of Antwerp. The Defence Line of Antwerp was decided by the choice of Antwerp as National Redoubt in 1859. The idea behind this was that Antwerp was the most suitable as a last fortification until the help of allies could arrive.

Translated by Google •

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Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 17 December

13°C

7°C

29 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Fort Merksem

1. Fort Merksem loop from Tuinwijk

2. Fort Merksem loop from Tuinwijk

3. Fort Merksem – Hof van Veltwijck Moated Castle loop from Merksemheide

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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