The Strépy-Thieu funicular lift, a river gem in Wallonia

Located on the Canal du Centre, the Strépy-Thieu funicular lift is the largest boat lift and its 73.15 metres incline is the largest in the world. An absolute must see if you are travelling through the Hainaut region.

Belgium's waterway network - 1,3500 tons in total - meant a new segment of the Canal du Centre had to be added, as well as a boat lift. This impressive construction is now open to the public.

Visits of the boat lift will start again in 2019

Strepy Thieu is rich in discoveries. Expect an impressive machinery room, a superb panorama of the site and the region, animated scale models, interactive games and a movie presenting the construction and functioning of the equipment. The visits, sadly, are on hold for the moment: the site is simply improving the infrastructure to make the experience more accessible and more enjoyable to all as well as preparing a new exhibition.

Follow the visit with a boat cruise

The immersive trail “A land of geniuses” will make you relive the most important moments in Belgium’s advances: art, music, painting, sport but also comic books. A wonderful way to know more about Belgian icons.

By taking the funicular lift, you also get the cross the 73.15 m water drop by boat (May to end of August, 4 departures every Sunday)