Schijn

The Schijn is a protected river in Province of Antwerp that forms from two main branches which merge near Lobroekdok before flowing into the Schelde. The waterway creates an interconnected system that travels across the landscape and serves the drainage needs of the region.

The river originally followed a shorter path but was redirected multiple times due to harbor expansion in Antwerp. These changes show how human development gradually reshaped the waterway over time.

The river flows through several towns and shapes the local landscape, with its banks and channels used by residents for daily life and leisure. The waterway defines how this region looks and reflects how people and nature coexist here.

A modern pump station built in 2009 manages water flow and protects the surrounding areas from flooding. Visitors can access the river at various points, though the main infrastructure is concentrated around Lobroekdok.

One of the source areas of the Groot Schijn lies in marshy meadows near Westmalle Trappist Abbey, a place with deep historical roots. From there the river gathers water from several smaller streams before joining its other branches.