Plizio Visual Lab

Het Steen

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

castle

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Het Steen (The Stone) is the oldest preserved building in Antwerp, a fascinating remnant of the first city fortification built along the banks of the Scheldt River. Its origins trace back to the early 13th century (around 1200), when it was constructed as part of a massive ring wall equipped with towers to protect the booming trading city from attacks. The name 'Het Steen' reflects the fact that in an era when most houses were still built of wood, it was one of the first structures in the city made entirely of stone. Over the centuries, the fortress experienced a dark and turbulent history: from 1303 until 1823, a period spanning more than 500 years, it served as a notorious prison whose cells held both ordinary criminals and political prisoners alike. During the late 19th century, the building narrowly escaped demolition during the straightening of the Scheldt quays. Today, it marks the gateway to the port district and welcomes visitors with the famous statue of 'Lange Wapper', a legendary giant from Antwerp folklore.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Het Steen · The Antwerp Story · Antwerp Ghostwalk Vertelwandelingen
Nearby: Mortsel (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	3	3	6	10	13	17	19	18	15	11	7	3
Rain mm	69	61	55	38	59	63	75	79	55	63	69	78

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Het Steen can be visited inside and currently houses a visitor center. The courtyard and outer walls are freely accessible and offer a beautiful view of the Scheldt river.

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Typical hours

The visitor center is typically open daily, but opening hours vary seasonally. On public holidays access may be restricted, so it is worth checking the local notices in advance.

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Photography

Photography is allowed anytime in the courtyard and from the outside, especially worthwhile at sunset. Inside the visitor center, photography is usually permitted without flash.

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Time needed

For a thorough visit of Het Steen including the courtyard and exhibition, plan about 45 to 60 minutes. If you only want to enjoy the outdoor areas and the Scheldt view, 15 to 20 minutes will suffice.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with a walk along the Scheldt promenade or the nearby Museum aan de Stroom (MAS). The old town of Antwerp with the Cathedral of Our Lady is also just a few minutes' walk away.

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Getting there

Het Steen is centrally located in Antwerp and easily reachable on foot from the central station or Grote Markt. Trams 2, 3, 5, and 15 stop at 'Steenplein' station, just 100 meters away.

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Insider tip

Visit Het Steen early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility by the river. Keep an eye out for the statue of Lange Wapper, a local folkloric figure, standing in front of the entrance.

Geography

Coordinates

51.22270, 4.39750

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp)<1 km · SEExplore →

Antwerp Zoo2 km · SEExplore →

Antwerp Port House2 km · NExplore →

Merksem4 km · NEExplore →

Rivierenhof6 km · EExplore →

Port of Antwerp-Bruges6 km · NWExplore →

Mortsel7 km · SEExplore →

Edegem9 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Het Steen (10)

Het Steen 🏰 castle

Fortress in Antwerp, Belgium, located on the Scheldt riverbank.

The Antwerp Story 🏛 museum

Museum about the history of Antwerp, situated in the old town.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-18:00💶

Antwerp Ghostwalk Vertelwandelingen

Guided walks to haunted locations in Antwerp.

🌐 ghostwalk.be🕒 "op afspraak"

Poppentheater De Poesje

Puppet theatre in Antwerp, Belgium, with performances for children.

Museum De Reede🏛 museum

Art museum focusing on graphic works in Antwerp, Belgium.

Butcher's Hall🏛 museum

Vleeshuis, historic butchers' guild hall, now a museum.

Greasy palms gallery

Contemporary art gallery in Antwerp.

Stadhuis Antwerpen

City hall of Antwerp, built in the 16th century.

de golden ram🏰 castle

De Gouden Ram residence in Antwerp, a historic building.

Gallery 51

Contemporary art gallery in Antwerp.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is inside Het Steen today?

It houses the Antwerp visitor center and a terminal for cruise ships.

Is there an entry fee for the building?

Access to the visitor center is free; the interactive 'Antwerp Story' tour requires a ticket.

How old is the castle?

It is the oldest building in Antwerp, with parts dating back to the 13th century.

Who is the statue in front of the entrance?

It is Lange Wapper, a legendary giant from Antwerp folklore.

Is there a viewing terrace?

Yes, from the roof terrace, you have a lovely view of the Scheldt river and the city.

Het Steen: where is it located?

Het Steen is located in Belgium.

Het Steen: what is there to see?

Highlights include Het Steen, The Antwerp Story, Antwerp Ghostwalk Vertelwandelingen.

Het Steen: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Het Steen: why is it worth visiting?

Het Steen (The Stone) is the oldest preserved building in Antwerp, a fascinating remnant of the first city fortification built along the banks of the Scheldt River.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →