DistantNews
Support us
🇧🇪 Belgium /Environment & Climate

Low water levels force boat tours in Kapelle-op-den-Bos to change routes: 'Luckily we can still go via the Zemst lock'

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Summer boat tours from Kapelle-op-den-Bos must alter their routes due to low water levels caused by drought.
  • Boats can no longer pass through the Wintam lock but will use the Zemst lock instead, which is described as an experience for passengers.
  • High demand for the tours has led to the addition of three extra departures, with a total of 600 people expected to participate if all tours are full.

Persistent drought conditions are forcing summer boat tours departing from Kapelle-op-den-Bos to adjust their routes. The low water levels mean boats can no longer pass through the Wintam lock in Bornem, a normal part of the return journey where passengers witness the lockage process.

"Fortunately, we can go via the Zemst lock, because that is truly an experience for the people on board," said Dirk Hermans, alderman of Tourism for ProKA Vooruit. The boat tours have proven exceptionally popular, with the first five scheduled trips selling out immediately. In response to the high demand, the local authority is adding three extra departures on August 14, 21, and 28, allowing an additional 75 people to join each trip.

Fortunately, we can go via the Zemst lock, because that is truly an experience for the people on board.

— Dirk HermansAlderman of Tourism, explaining the alternative route due to low water levels.

"It is wonderful to see so many people finding their way back to our summer boat tours," Hermans stated. "Many residents know the canal well, but experiencing the surroundings from the water is a completely different perspective." He added that the extra departures offer more people the chance to enjoy this unique experience.

Due to the low water levels, the Wintam lock can only be used once or twice a day, and pleasure craft do not receive priority. "Schutten" or "versassen" is the process of moving a boat between different water levels using a lock. While the boats will still travel to Wintam, they will turn around there. The arrangement with the Zemst lock allows passengers to experience the lockage process on the return journey. Those who have already booked a trip will be notified of the route change. Passengers who do not wish to take the adjusted route can cancel their booking and receive a full refund of the 25 euro ticket price.

It is wonderful to see so many people finding their way back to our summer boat tours. Many residents know the canal well, but experiencing the surroundings from the water is a completely different perspective.

— Dirk HermansCommenting on the popularity of the boat tours and the unique perspective they offer.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog