Sint-Annastrand, Riverside beach and recreation area in Antwerp, Belgium
Sint-Annastrand is a recreation area along the Scheldt River's banks in Antwerp, featuring sandy areas and green spaces spread across the waterfront. The site includes walking paths, seating areas, and direct access to the water's edge, making it a multipurpose destination.
The area grew from a 12th-century chapel honoring Saint Anne and remained a quiet settlement for centuries. Growth came after major world exhibitions in the 1880s transformed it into a public leisure destination.
The riverfront holds restaurants and casual eateries that reflect the area's connection to fishing traditions along the Scheldt. You can observe how locals gather here for meals and socializing, a pattern that has shaped life on this bank for many years.
The river water is not safe for swimming, but an outdoor pool opens during warm months for water activities. Come in summer for the best experience when facilities are fully operational and the weather is pleasant.
After World War II, the site served as Camp Top Hat, a repatriation point where American soldiers gathered briefly before sailing home from Europe. This temporary military camp left an unusual chapter in the area's recent past.
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