Fort Liefkenshoek

About the museum

Fort Liefkenshoek is one of the oldest forts in Flanders. It was built at the end of the sixteenth century to protect Antwerp and its port from the Spanish troops of Alexander Farnese. Together with Fort Lillo on the opposite bank of the Scheldt, the fort could close the river to shipping.

Spaniards, Dutch, French and Austrians besieged the forts, which were part of the Staats-Spaanse Linies (Dutch-Spanish Lines), a military defence network from the period of the Eighty Years' War up to the French period. The fort changed hands several times and served, among other things, as a quarantine station, a naval base and a holiday resort for career soldiers.

Today the fort lies on a green piece of land in the middle of the Waasland port. An experience centre tells the story of the centuries-long struggle between people and water, with, among other things, a large maze, a quiz and a memory game. You can walk the renovated outer rampart with its observation tower, follow a guided tour, or unravel the story of commander Casimir von Schlippenbach in the escape room.

Highlights

• Experience centre with maze, quiz and memory game about the fort's history
• Walk along the outer rampart with an observation tower over the Scheldt and the port
• Guided tour through 450 years of history
• Escape room around Casimir von Schlippenbach
• Play ship and free treasure hunt “Tijdreizen met Frederik” (Time Travel with Frederik) for families

Permanent exhibition

• Belevingscentrum over de geschiedenis van het fort – In the rooms of the experience centre you discover the stories of the fort's history in a playful way, with a large maze, a quiz, a memory game and fun facts.

Operated by

Gemeente Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The fort and the experience centre are free to visit, as is the treasure hunt “Tijdreizen met Frederik” (start at reception) and the escape room (booking required). School classes from Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht receive a 45% discount on the guide.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is a car park for people with disabilities at the entrance to the fort. Dogs on a lead are allowed on the outdoor part of the site, but not in the experience centre.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Children can play the treasure hunt “Tijdreizen met Frederik”, try out the maze and the quiz in the experience centre, and play on the play ship. During holidays and around Halloween there are family activities and workshops, often as UiTPAS activities.

Getting there & parking

Coming from the N49/E34, take the first exit Doel after the Beverentunnel and follow the signs; coming from the Liefkenshoektunnel, take exit 11 Waaslandhaven-Noord and follow the signs to Haven 1966-1995, then take the Scheldt dyke to the left towards the fort. Cyclists can follow the junction network from junction 10 (Melsele) via 11 (Kallo) to 15 (Fort Liefkenshoek); cyclists walk their bikes onto the site. There is a bicycle shelter, and reception has 9 charging points for e-bikes. Donkey Republic shared bikes are at the waterbus stop.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

Brasserie Fort Liefkenshoek (Ketenislaan 5) offers quick meals, coffee and a fuller menu, indoors or on the terrace; according to the brasserie's website it is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00–20:00. The house beer BONàPART is available at reception.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit