New footbridge over Albert Canal restores historic link between Wallonia and the Netherlands

The new Passerelle van Caestert footbridge, which restores a historic link between Wallonia and the Netherlands, was officially opened on Friday. The bridge over the Albert Canal is 190 m long and hangs 55 m above the ground.

The new footbridge has been installed on the site of what was once an important route between Liège and Maastricht, which ran across the heights of the Sint-Pietersberg hill. When the Albert Canal was dug, this link between Wallonia and the Netherlands disappeared. The Passerelle van Caestert restores that historic link, albeit only for pedestrians.

The bridge now spans the Albert Canal, with the Walloon municipality of Bassenge on the left bank and the Walloon municipality of Visé on the right bank. Riemst in Flanders and Maastricht in the Netherlands are just a stone’s throw away.

The bridge is not a tourist attraction in itself, but part of several walking routes. One route is currently signposted. By the end of May, there will be four, ranging from 6.5 to 17 km. One of the routes will run through Maastricht.

Anyone wishing to cross the valley will need to purchase an access ticket. This can be done in advance online or on the spot, provided the maximum number of visitors has not been reached. For the time being, 600 walkers can cross per day, although capacity can be increased to 1,000 visitors. The crossing costs 3 euros with online booking and 5 euros on the spot. The revenue will be invested in the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment.

The construction of the bridge cost around 2.1 million euros, 80 per cent of which was funded by Wallonia’s recovery plan. The municipalities of Bassenge, Oupeye and Visé paid the remainder. The idea for the bridge was conceived in 2022 and construction began in March 2025.

^{The inauguration of the Passerelle van Caestert footbridge © BELGA PHOTO JEROME FETU & © BELGA VIDEO JEROME FETU}