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Kraanbrug (Crane Bridge)

Kraanbrug (Crane Bridge)

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Kraanbrug (Crane Bridge)

Name: Kraanbrug (Crane Bridge)
Rating: 2

Recommended by 10 hikers

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Location: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Best Hikes to Kraanbrug (Crane Bridge)

4.6

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1. Hoogbrug – View of the Dijle and Fish Market loop from Nekkerspoel

12.2km

03:06

30m

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

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Moderate

5.0

(1)

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2. Blick auf Dijle und Fischmarkt – Batteliek loop from Mechelen

7.41km

01:53

20m

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

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Easy

5.0

(1)

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3. Toll house – Hoogbrug loop from Heffen

8.51km

02:09

20m

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

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Moderate

Tips

🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

August 4, 2025

The Kraanbrug (Crane Bridge) is a metal swing bridge in the city of Mechelen spanning the Dyle River. The bridge is actually a combination of a swing bridge and a brick arch.

Historical significance: Between 1289 and 1563, a walkway spanning the Dyle existed at this location, then called the "Nieuwe Brug" (New Bridge). The name Kraanbrug (Crane Bridge) was only used from 1563-1565, when the walkway was replaced by a sturdier one. The walkway was replaced in 1707 by a wooden swing bridge, which was later replaced by an iron swing bridge in 1850.

The current bridge was built in 1986 and is a copy of the previous metal swing bridge. The Kraanbrug was completely renovated in 2013-2014.

Origin of the name:
The bridge's name has nothing to do with the type of bridge of the same name (crane bridge), but derives from the fact that in previous centuries a wooden crane was always located near the bridge, on the Haverwerf. These cranes were always operated by hand by crane children. The first mention of a crane dates from 1311. It was repeatedly replaced by a larger one (in 1346, 1369, and 1430), but in 1887 the last crane was demolished due to a lack of work.

Source nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraanbrug_(Mechelen)

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 50 m

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Tuesday 9 December

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See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Kraanbrug (Crane Bridge)

1. Hoogbrug – View of the Dijle and Fish Market loop from Nekkerspoel

2. Blick auf Dijle und Fischmarkt – Batteliek loop from Mechelen

3. Toll house – Hoogbrug loop from Heffen

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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