Apples Veer

Scheldeveer Appels-Berlare also known as Appels Veer. The wooden ferry bridge, adjacent part of the Schelde riverbank with remaining masonry from the old ferry terminal, two duckboards, wooden pontoon with iron walkway, are protected.
 
Appels Veer is one of the oldest ferries on the Scheldt in the region of the Upper Scheldt. The ferry was already mentioned in 1253 when it was transferred by the Count of Flanders, Guido van Dampierre, to Gregorius, lord of Appels.

Appels Veer used to be part of an important route that has existed since at least the Middle Ages, the Heerweg Gent-Dendermonde. On the map of the Land van Aalst from 1596, this road is indicated between Kalken and Appels as 'Heerwech naer Appels veer'.

Previously, the village center of Appels and its village church, like many old Scheldt villages, were located near the bank of the Scheldt next to Appels Veer. After the destruction of the church in the 15th century, the village church was built further east towards Dendermonde, and thus the village center also moved. At Appels Veer, there were previously unloading docks for goods shipped via the Scheldt. As part of the straightening of the Scheldt in the last quarter of the 19th century, the Scheldt meander at Hoofdstraat in Appels was cut off, and commercial activity disappeared.

In 1971, the ferry house served as a location for the film adaptation of the book by Stijn Streuvels: The Decline of the Water Corner.

Today, the ferry service of Appels Veer has gained significant importance for Scheldt tourism. It is located in a very attractive landscape area that, with its picturesque Scheldt dikes, is very popular with walkers and cyclists.

Operating hours

April 1 to October 1: weekdays from 7 AM to 8 PM / weekend and holidays from 9 AM to 8 PM

October 1 to April 1: weekdays from 7 AM to 6 PM / weekend and holidays from 9 AM to 6 PM

ferry every half hour and hour, no ferry at 12:30 PM

Lennard @ RouteYou