Kruibeke & Rupelmonde

A castle and a ship restauration yard

The morning programme includes a visit to Tolerant vzw, a non-profit organization with the following objectives:

• preservation of authentic Flemish and Zeeland ships and crafts;
• renovation of ships and, if possible, putting them into service;
• organisation of sailing trips with these classic ships to bring the nautical history to life;
• preservation of knowledge through a documentation centre with books, registers, photos, films, drawings, stories, models, etc.
• collaboration with employees and sponsors.

At Tolerant vzw, everyone is a volunteer. They have the most diverse backgrounds and skills. In the meantime, they have an extensive network on which they rely for professional advice and/or support.

They will give us an expert tour of the shipyard and we see them at work

We have lunch in restaurant Scaldiana, in the heart of the Mercator city of Rupelmonde (soup, main course, 1 drink and coffee). The restaurant is located on the banks of the Scheldt

In the afternoon we visit Wissekerke Castle in Bazel, which played an important role in the foundation of Belgium.

A period of careful renovation was crowned with a new experience trail in the castle and in the park. Viscountess Zoé de Feltz takes us as visitors through the family history of Vilain XIIII, the tensions between Catholics and liberals, international politics and her special bond with Napoleon.

Wissekerke castle

Schedule of the day:

10:30   Welcome coffee at CNR-loods, Scheepsbouwersstraat 16, 9150 Rupelmonde

11:00   Visit of Tolerant vzw

12:45   A 10 minutes walk bring us to restaurant Scaldania, Gelaagstraat 55, Rupelmonde

13:00   Lunch at Scaldania:  soup – pork tenderloin with vegetables – fries or croquettes – coffee/tea – 1 drink included (soft, water, pils beer)

14:30   Departure by car to Wissekerke castle, Koningin Astridplein 17, Bazel-Kruibeke  (5 km – 11 minutes drive)

15:00   Visit of Wissekerke castle with some story telling by Viscountess Zoé de Feltz

How to get there:

By car: from Antwerp take the E17 towards Gent. Take the exit 15a-Haasdonk to N485 direction Haasdonk/Steendorp. Follow Temsestraat and next Dijkstraat. For the continuation of the route see map.

By public transport: Since it is not self-evident to arrive  on time by public transport, the organiser would greatly appreciate if members/participants declare themselves willing to carpool as much as possible or to indicate that they want to offer less mobile participants a lift.