Albert Canal

Super nice cycle path next to the Albert Canal. This canal is 130 kilometres long and connects Liège with Antwerp. Fun fact: It was named after King Albert I and has played an important role in Belgian freight transport since 1939. Originally built to connect steel factories and coal mines: today this canal is good for around 40 million tonnes of freight per year. With six locks and space for ships up to 9,000 tonnes, it is an impressive piece of infrastructure!

The Albert Canal is a 130 km long wide canal located in Belgium. It connects the autonomous Port of Liège, located on the Meuse, to the Port of Antwerp, located on the Scheldt estuary and providing access to the North Sea. It bears this name in memory of Albert I, king of the Belgians.
The canal also provides access to the Lanaye, Dessel-Turnhout-Schoten, Bocholt-Herentals and Dessel-Kwaadmechelen canals.
Its construction began shortly before 1930. The primary goal was to create links between the Flemish and Walloon steel industries and the Limburg coal mines.
Its inauguration took place on July 30, 1939 on the occasion of the International Water Exhibition which was held in Liège from May 20 to August 31, 1939.
It has six locks. Originally built with a gauge of 2000 tonnes, it was widened in 1997 to allow the passage of 9000 tonne boats.
It supports traffic of 40 million tonnes per year.

Perfect for walks along the water.