To the north of Antwerp is a remnant of the Second World War: the Antitankgracht. This 33-kilometer-long watercourse was constructed between 1937 and 1940 as a defense against a possible German invasion by tankers. Since 19993 it has been the longest protected landscape in Flanders, a ribbon-shaped nature reserve between Berendrecht and Oelegem, where you can enjoy walking and cycling. And that, moreover, has been a true cycling paradise since the end of 2011, thanks to the construction of two new sections.
The Antitankgracht
World War II
On the eve of the Second World War, the Antitankgracht was constructed between the Scheldt (Berendrecht) and the Albert Canal (Oelegem – Ranst) as a defense against a possible German invasion. The defense of the city of Antwerp took place from a large number of forts, but there was no obstacle for German tanks. That is why between 1937 and 1940 a moat was dug between a number of existing fortresses, which armored cars could not cross.
Anti-tank canal or Anti-tank canal?
The canal was 33 kilometers long, 18 meters wide and two meters deep in total. The moat had a zigzag structure, which was useful because anti-aircraft guns could be placed under concrete bunkers on the recessed corners. The water in the canal came from the Dessel – Turnhout-Schoten canal. The canal is often incorrectly referred to as the Anti-Tank Canal. Despite its name canal, it is indeed about running water. Since there is a height difference of 13 meters between the lowest point (near Berendrecht) and the highest point (near Brasschaat), a number of locks and lock bunkers were also built. The construction of the locks was such that if the lock were to be destroyed, the enemy bank would partially flood.
Historical value of fortresses and redoubts
However, the moat’s military significance during the war was limited. But the historical value of the five remaining fortresses is now priceless. For example, the ammunition lift of the Oelegem fort has been preserved, which is a rarity. There is also a fort in Stabroek, one in Kapellen (Fort of Ertbrand), one in Brasschaat and one in ‘s Gravenwezel. There are also 48 bunkers along the Antitankgracht and 2 sconces (intermediate forts), the Smoutakker sconce in Stabroek and the Schilde sconce. Since the summer of 2014, it is possible to use rail bicycles between the fortresses of Kapellen and Brasschaat. During this rail bike tour one also crosses the Antitankgracht.
Longest protected landscape in Flanders
Anti-tank ditch becomes a nature reserve
The canal zigzagged through Berendrecht, Stabroek, Kapellen, Brasschaat, Schoten, Sint-Job-in-‘t Goor, ‘s Gravenwezel, Schilde and Oelegem. The Antitankgracht became a protected landscape in 1993 because of its historical, aesthetic and scientific importance. The Antitankgracht is 33 kilometers long and therefore the longest protected landscape. Originally the canal was 2 meters deep and 18 meters wide, now the canal is about 6 meters wide. Some parts of the original canal have disappeared due to the expansion of the port, the construction of docks and the construction of motorways. But as a nature reserve, the Antitankgracht is of inestimable value. Several forts and bunkers were set up as a comfortable hibernation place for bats. In 2007 they counted eg. more than 700 hibernating bats in the fortress of Brasschaat. The calcareous concrete of the forts is very valuable for mosses, ferns and other plants.
Great diversity in flora
The Antitankgracht offers a wide range of landscapes: from shady forests and hedgerows to reed borders, heathland, fields and meadows. Numerous species of trees grow on the banks, such as pedunculate oak, black alder and various willows. Many of these willows have grown from the original bank reinforcement that took place in 1940 and for which willow twigs were used. A living piece of history. Common shrubs are spruce and black cherry. Many animals and plants can be seen in and around the water. In Brasschaat, bladderwort, large water plantain, snake root and water three-leaf were found. Floating water plantain and floating rush were found in Kapellen, frizzy pondweed in Stabroek. More than 300 plant species have been counted along the Antitankgracht, including very rare aquatic plants.
Interesting fauna
Dragonflies, mayflies and fish are abundant. It is also the breeding ground for amphibians such as the brown frog, alpine newt and great crested newt. Birds of prey come to wash themselves in the shallow water. There are also water birds such as the grebe, the kingfisher, the coot and the moorhen. The calcareous water produces different types of mussels, including freshwater mussels. You can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the area via towpaths and semi-paved cycle paths along the Antitankgracht.
Ecological management and tourist development
Landscape management plan
In order to safeguard and further develop the unique landscape of the Antitankgracht, the Province of Antwerp has drawn up a landscape management plan. The primary focus is on the ecological management of the canal and the banks, on the preservation of the historical heritage and the exploitation of recreational opportunities. The proposed measures are very diverse: pruning the wood edges, clearing the canal, reducing plants and animals that are foreign to the region (which are often left behind by humans), protecting vulnerable species, renovating military buildings, redesigning dangerous crossings, etc. .
Tourism and recreation
On the other hand, the Province also has recreational and tourist plans for the Antitankgracht. It is investigated where information boards could be placed. The ideal locations for entry points are mapped. These are places where you can park or that are easily accessible by public transport. People are also looking at where picnic areas could be built.
Missing links
The missing links were also constructed, these were paths that were in urgent need of upgrading and that fit into the recreational bicycle network in the Voorkempen. Specifically, there were two plans. In August 2010 a start was made on the construction of a 3.5 km long cycle path in Stabroek. Stabroek also became the first tourist “reception gate” of the fortress belt and thus also the starting point of the cycle route along the anti-tank moat. This reception gate contains information boards and there is also a bicycle shed next to the fort. A link has been made to the Ravenhof with a large car park. Numerous events are organized in the fortress of Stabroek. For example, you can play paintball, do Highland games and laser shoot. More information about this can be found on www.stafort.be. A “reception gate” will also be installed at the fort of Oelegem, the end of the cycle route. In 2011 work was done on the section between Brecht and Schoten. All this had to be done taking into account the landscape, nature and cultural-historical elements. The aim is to make the Antitankgracht a new tourist asset for the Province of Antwerp.
Sights around and around the Antitankgracht
Cycling and walking
You can take the Green Halte walking route “Antitankgracht”. You can find more information about this on www.groenehalte.be.
A bicycle tour via the cycle junction network is also possible. For this you can visit www.antwerpsekempen.be.
Most military buildings are not freely accessible. The Fort van Oelegem, the only protected monument in the protected landscape, can be visited every summer on request led by a guide. If you are interested in this, you can visit www.natuur2000.be.
Nature reserves and forest complexes
Many of these nature areas are supervised by nature organizations such as eg. Nature point.
- the five forts, the bunkers, redoubts, locks and lock bunkers
- the Reigersbos in Berendrecht, known for its colony of blue herons
- the Huzarenberg in Stabroek, a forest and dune area
- the Mastenbos in Kapellen, a mixed forest on sandy soil
- the Wolvenbos in Kapellen, a private forest
- the State domain De Uitlegger, between Kapellen and Brasschaat
- the Military Domain Klein Schietveld in Brasschaat
- the State domain De Inslag in Brasschaat
- the Municipal Park De Mik in Brasschaat
- the Domain La Garenne in Schoten, also private domain
- the Domein ‘t Groot Kasteel in’ s Gravenwezel, an old castle domain with heather remnants
- the Provincial Domain Vrieselhof in Oelegem
Fancy a nice walk in the middle of nature? Then put on your walking shoes and explore the banks of the Antitankgracht! Lots of fun!