The Caster Footbridge is a spectacular pedestrian bridge that opened in April 2026. Spanning the Albert Canal for nearly 195 meters, it stands at a height of 55 meters, making it the tallest footbridge in the Benelux region. Accessible for €3 and limited to approximately 1,000 visitors per day, it offers an impressive crossing between the villages of Emael and the Caster Plateau, set in an exceptional natural and historic setting.
Galerie photos
A location surrounded by nature, cliffs, and heritage
The footbridge connects the village of Emael (in the municipality of Bassenge) to the Caster Plateau (in the municipality of Visé), north of the province of Liège. It overlooks the Albert Canal near the Lanaye locks and the chalk cliffs of Montagne Saint-Pierre, a site shaped during the canal’s construction between 1930 and 1939, and located not far from the Eben-Emael Fort.
A project inspired by an old historic path
This project aims to recreate an old military trail that once connected Maastricht to Liège, prior to the creation of the Albert Canal. Launched in 2022 by the city of Visé, in collaboration with the municipalities of Bassenge and Oupeye, the project was awarded in 2024 to a specialized consortium, with construction set to begin in 2025 and an inauguration scheduled for spring 2026.
An impressive suspension bridge
Measuring 195 meters in length and 55 meters above the canal, the footbridge features a spectacular Himalayan-style design. It rests on two pylons—17 meters high on the Bassenge side and 11 meters high on the Visé side—connected by a single 7.5-centimeter-thick main cable manufactured in Switzerland, which supports the entire suspended structure.
A walking experience above the void
The width of the footbridge varies from 1.2 meters at the ends to 2.5 meters in the center over a widened section of approximately 30 meters, allowing visitors to stop and enjoy the view. The metal grating deck and cable railings with steel mesh reinforce the sensation of lightness and immersion above the void.
Access and limited visitor numbers
There is an admission fee to access the footbridge (€3), and a system is in place to regulate visitor flow. Approximately 1,000 people per day will be allowed to cross it, in an effort to preserve the experience and safety of the site.
