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The interactive walks with tablets and the group visits (day visit and nocturne) start at the Ruihuis at Suikerrui 21, 2000 Antwerp, and end at Keistraat 5, 2000 Antwerp, near the Stadsmagazijn.
The St. Paul combi walk starts at the entrance gate of St. Paul's Church at the corner of Veemarkt and Zwartzusterstraat, 2000 Antwerp, and ends at the Stadsmagazijn, Keistraat 5, 2000 Antwerp.
The Sint-Carolus Borromeus combi walk starts at the entrance of the Sint-Carolus Borromeus Church, Hendrik Conscienceplein 11, 2000 Antwerp. The walk ends at the Stadsmagazijn, Keistraat 5, 2000 Antwerp.
The minimum age was set at 10 years based on health and safety regulations.
Visiting The Ruien is a challenging hike of about 1.5 km over uneven, often muddy ground with a puddle here and there (or just a little more). It is not possible to sit down or lean on anything along the way. You must be able to follow the pace of the group.
This particular surface makes this walk unsuitable for wheelchairs and walkers. Also, for safety reasons, persons with impaired vision and/or limited mobility cannot participate.
Boots (sizes 35 tem 50) will be provided by the organization. To protect your clothing, you will be provided with protective pants, but it makes sense not to put on your "Sunday suit" for this type of hike.
Also remember to bring socks.
At The Ruien , the temperature is constant between 15°C and 18°C. Due to the humidity underground, the wind chill can even be a bit higher. So an extra sweater is definitely not necessary!
It is not possible to leave belongings at the start of the walk. There are no lockers in the Ruihuis, so you have to take everything with you on the walk. Extensive shopping in 't Stad is better done after your visit to The Ruien. The organization provides a backpack to store your personal belongings and shoes so you can easily take them with you on your hike.
(Domestic) animals, strollers, dangerous objects, food and alcohol are not allowed in The Ruien. The organization has the right to refuse these items and check backpacks when entering the Ruihuis.
Of course! Your boots do need to come to just below the knee. Shorter boots are not possible because sometimes the water is a little higher. Walking then is not a problem but wet feet due to too short boots can be.
No way. You always walk in groups, even if you have booked an individual visit. There is a guide or companion (for tablet walks) on every walk who provides safety and shows the way.
No way. The underground passageways (formerly canals and flumes) are at least 3 meters wide everywhere and the ceiling is at least 3 meters high everywhere. There are only stairs at the beginning and end of the walk. You walk right under the streets and in a few places can even see outside through the air chimneys. The entire trail has 4 (emergency) exits.
Yes, in places where you stand still with your companion or guide you may take photos as long as you do not hold up the group. However, you cannot bring extensive photo equipment on the walks. Photographers and film crews wishing to shoot or film at The Ruien should contact the reception desk at The Ruien to check out the possibilities.
No, there is no deposit required. We will gladly assume that you return your tablet, headphones, boots and backpack neatly at the end of the hike so that hikers who come after you can also enjoy their hike with well-functioning and well-kept equipment.
If your scheduled hike is cancelled due to flooding at The Ruien , the organization will, in accordance with the terms and conditions, offer you an alternative.
The number of tickets for the individual walks are limited. To be sure you can join the walks, it is always best to book your tickets in advance.
Group visits must be booked at least 21 days in advance. You will find more info on this at each group visit formula.