Attractions and Places To See around Hemiksem - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Hemiksem, a municipality in the Antwerp province of Belgium, offer a blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. The area is characterized by its picturesque landscape, with the Scheldt River flowing past and providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Hemiksem features green spaces and nature trails, making it a destination for exploring both heritage and natural environments.
Best attractions and places to see around Hemiksem
- The most popular attractions is Grote Markt Antwerp…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Grote Markt Antwerp
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Blue Cycle Bridge over the Dijle
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Bridges connect people and landscapes. Know that it is quite busy here on weekends.
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Brabo Fountain
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Het Steen
Highlight • Castle
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Sint-Annatunnel
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The Brabo Fountain is one of Antwerp's most iconic monuments and is located on the Grote Markt, in front of the City Hall. The fountain tells the legend of the giant Druon Antigoon and the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo. According to tradition, Druon Antigoon demanded a high toll from ships that wanted to pass the Scheldt. If skippers refused to pay, he chopped off their hand and threw it into the river. Silvius Brabo, a brave soldier, defeated the giant, chopped off Antigoon's hand in turn and threw it into the Scheldt. This legend is said to be the origin of the name "Antwerp" (derived from "hand werpen"). The fountain, designed by Jef Lambeaux and unveiled in 1887, shows Brabo triumphantly throwing away the giant's hand. The sculpture is full of dynamism and symbolism, surrounded by water spouts and smaller figures that refer to the Scheldt and the sea. The Brabo Fountain is not only a tribute to a folk tale, but also a beautiful work of art and a beloved symbol of the city of Antwerp.
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Located directly on the Schlede and centrally in Antwerp, I didn't expect to see this magnificent castle there. The castle looks like one of the medieval castles from the earlier knight films. I found it very fascinating. The castle is also Antwerp's oldest building. Of course, it can also be visited.
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The ceremonial unveiling of the sculpture took place on August 21, 1887. It depicts the young hero Silvius Brabo throwing the severed hand of the giant Druon Antigon, whom he had previously defeated in battle, into the Scheldt. According to tradition, this is where the name of the city comes from, "throwing hand".
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A tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians under the Scheldt.
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Wonderful market square with beautiful house facades. Great restaurants and cafes on the square.
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Modern iron bridge over the canal.
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The Brabo fountain is very impressive. And the story behind it...😉
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The legend of Brabo and the history of the origins of Antwerp was created in the 15th century. The story is the merging of various older legends such as the story of the Swan Knight, Tristan and Isolde, ... The literary history of the origins has already been extensively researched. An important moment is the oldest known written record of the story in its current form by Willem van Berchem and the publication Van den Dorpe in which the story not only appears in print for the first time, but is also provided with an illustration and thus the iconographic tradition of the Brabo legend begins. At that time, Brabo is still depicted as a medieval knight. From the 16th century onwards, the iconography evolves, with Brabo being depicted as a Roman soldier. This will be changed for the first time by Jef Lambeaux by depicting the figures (both Brabo and the giant 'Antigoon') naked. The story also remains popular in literature. The legend of the origins is a powerful symbol for the freedom of Antwerp, mainly in terms of shipping and trade. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Hemiksem?
Hemiksem offers a rich history. You can visit the Sint-Bernardusabdij, a former Cistercian monastery now known for its brewery, or the medieval Castle of 't Hooghuys, which serves as a cultural center. The Heemmuseum Heymissen provides insights into local heritage, and the Voormalig Gemeentehuis Hemiksem is an impressive historical building.
Are there any museums in Hemiksem?
Yes, Hemiksem is home to the Gilliot & Roelants Tegelmuseum, dedicated to the history and artistry of tile production. You can also find the Heemmuseum Heymissen, which focuses on local history, and the Gilliot Museum located within the park of the Sint-Bernardusabdij.
What natural attractions are there around Hemiksem?
The Scheldt River flows past Hemiksem, offering picturesque views and opportunities for activities like hiking and biking along its banks. The Benedenvliet area, where the Vliet and Schelde rivers meet, is a significant breeding ground for water birds and a valuable spot for birdwatchers. Hemiksem is also surrounded by various green spaces and nature trails.
What outdoor activities can I do near Hemiksem's attractions?
The region around Hemiksem is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for mountain biking, gravel biking, and running. For example, explore the 'Gravel trail along the Rupel – Blue Bridge over the Dijle loop' for mountain biking or the 'Rupeldijk Niel–Schelle – Along the Rupel loop' for running. Discover more routes on the dedicated guides for MTB Trails around Hemiksem, Gravel biking around Hemiksem, and Running Trails around Hemiksem.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Hemiksem area?
Many attractions in the broader Hemiksem area are family-friendly. For instance, the Grote Markt Antwerp and the Brabo Fountain are great for families to explore. The historic Het Steen castle, now an Antwerp Visitor Center, also welcomes families. The green spaces and nature trails along the Scheldt River provide excellent opportunities for family outings.
What are some notable landmarks in the wider Antwerp area that are easily accessible from Hemiksem?
While in the broader Antwerp area, don't miss the historic Grote Markt Antwerp, surrounded by 16th-century buildings and featuring the iconic Brabo Fountain. Another must-see is Het Steen, Antwerp's oldest building, now a visitor center. The Groenplaats and the Rubens Statue also offer a central meeting point with views of the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Where can I find unique architectural features or bridges near Hemiksem?
The Blue Cycle Bridge over the Dijle is a well-designed bridge that connects landscapes and is an important link for commuting and recreation. In Hemiksem itself, you can observe the impressive architecture of the Voormalig Gemeentehuis Hemiksem and the historic Sint-Bavokerk.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Hemiksem?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The historic center of Antwerp, including the Grote Markt, is often highlighted for its charisma and rich history. The well-designed cycle bridges, like the Blue Cycle Bridge over the Dijle, are valued for connecting people and landscapes, making them popular for recreation.
Are there any castles to visit in Hemiksem?
Yes, Hemiksem features the well-preserved medieval Castle of 't Hooghuys, dating back to the 14th century, which now functions as a cultural center. Additionally, you can find Kasteel Hemiksemhof, a U-shaped castle surrounded by a large oval pond.
What is the significance of the Scheldt River for Hemiksem?
The Scheldt River is central to Hemiksem's identity, offering picturesque views and serving as a hub for outdoor activities like hiking and biking along its banks. The area around the Scheldt and its polders contributes significantly to the region's natural beauty and provides habitats for wildlife, especially in areas like the Benedenvliet.
Are there any religious or spiritual sites to visit in Hemiksem?
The Sint-Bernardusabdij, a former Cistercian monastery, holds significant historical and religious importance in Hemiksem. Additionally, the Sint-Bavokerk is a historic church that serves as a central point in the community.
What are some unique cultural experiences available in Hemiksem?
Beyond traditional museums, Hemiksem offers unique cultural experiences such as exploring the Sint-Bernardusabdij, which has been converted into a brewery producing the renowned St. Bernardus Abt 12 beer. The Gilliot & Roelants Tegelmuseum also provides a specialized cultural insight into the art of tile production.
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