Boom

Nautical Visitor Centre Rupelstreek
The Rupel region is nestled along the banks of the river of the same name in the area of Boom. In the last few centuries a blossoming brick industry has developed along the Rupel. Bricks from Boom were so famous that even after the great London Fire of 1666 a fleet of sailboats from Boom commuted to the British capital. A few well-known shipyards were also built along the Rupel. After World War II most brickyards and shipyards closed their doors. Mooring and unloading quays were demolished. Channels have filled up. Now that the Rupel, cleaner once again, flows through the magnicent landscape, the region turns back to the river. Attractive examples are the walking esplanade, the restored warehouses and mooring pontoon before the Boom roadstead. The Rupelstreek Nautical Visitor Centre will over time become the compass that will show the way to watersports enthusiasts and river tourists in the offer along the banks of the Rupel. The municipality of Boom is located before the transient channel on a junction of waterways: to the historic cities of Lier, Brussels and Mechelen, to the world port of Antwerp and to the delightful waters of Klein-Brabant.
Practical: The centre will familiarise visitors interactively with the shipping past and maritime aspects of the Rupel region.
Information: Tourism Rupel Region, 83 Kapelstraat, 2850 Boom, tel. 0032-3 880 76 25,
www.toerismerupelstreek.be