It had been a childhood fantasy of mine since I was a 6 years old: walking on top of the huge, 200 feet high glass/steel dome of Antwerp Central railway station, a 100 year old building resembling a cathedral in downtown Antwerp. But that famous landmark rooftop was in a deplorable state of disrepair, until the whole station got a majestic facelift, two new underground levels and a high-speed North-South tunnel, along with a major overhaul of the entire area.
Today my fantasy became reality. Along with a number of daredevils (well, not really, some had no idea this unique ‘free tour’ would go straight towards the top of the 60m high iron and glass trainshed) I signed a disclaimer/release form, just in case I would be truly depressed and ready to jump, and there I was: on top of a very narrow ’service personnel only’ suspended gangway, a metal passageway never intended for regular travelers, overlooking one of Belgium’s most beautiful railway stations. The view was stunning: from the condensation clouds near the Dutch border to the green belt in the south, I was actually skywalking on top of Antwerp railway station.
I wonder, are you afraid of heights? 
This blog is not affiliated with or endorsed by the city of Antwerp, Belgium.
I probably would have thrown up and ruined your day, Peter. : )
I’m not strictly frightened of heights under all circumstances, but open staircases, ladders, glass floors, and any kind of spiral freak me out a little.
I went to the top of the World Trade Center in New York and looked down through a glass floor at a plane flying through thin cloud cover BELOW me. Um, yeah, that was too much….
Comment by V-Grrrl — September 16, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
Lol, I get the picture Veronica
Although 200 feet sounds like peanuts compared to the former World Trade Center in New York, it did take some getting used to, especially when there was only a huge, gaping hole on top of Antwerp Central Station. Loved the adrenaline rush though.
I’ll get some more pictures online asap.
Comment by Peter — September 16, 2007 @ 7:32 pm
A boyhood dream come true, that is always good to hear about. I love the architecture of the old train stations here in Paris. You just don’t see stuff like that on the west coast. I really love ironwork in general. I’m not wild about heights, but I’ve been up the Eiffel Tower many times. The only time it makes me a little nervous is when the wind is blowing hard. You can feel it swaying…
Comment by Pamela — September 17, 2007 @ 8:22 am
Pam, guess I even would have been more impressed when I could have climbed the station dome when I was 6
You know, for a child 200 feet looks awesome, but having traveled I realize this is “just a station dome”. As you’re fond of ironwork, I’ll try to post some detailed shots. Belgium has quite a reputation, especially the art nouveau ironwork in Brussels and Antwerp used to be breathtaking, although much of it has not survived the passed century.
When I was younger, I spent many weekends with relatives who lived near the Paris RER B4 line, in Saint-Rémy-Les-Chevreuse, making a ride into Paris part of my regular routine. I can recall one cold December Sunday, on top of the swaying Eiffel Tower, unable to stay outside due to a freezing wind chill. We seem to share quite a lot of familiar locations.
Comment by Peter — September 17, 2007 @ 10:30 am
The photos are fantastic, congratulations. It’s always great to make your childhood dreams come true.
Regards
Comment by clitemnistra — September 25, 2007 @ 7:57 pm
Thanks clitemnistra, as soon as I find the energy I must post some more photos: I actually walked on that roof and I’ve got shots to show it off
Comment by Peter — September 26, 2007 @ 10:26 pm
Hi there
Really enjoy your blog, especially this mad notion about climbing the station roof. I am absolutely terrified of heights; standing on a chair is my limit - once I have measured the height of the chair of course.
I am the editor of expatica.com here in Belgium and wondered if I might run this piece as a ‘featured blog’ with photos.
keep up the good work
Paul Morris
Comment by paul morris — October 25, 2007 @ 9:07 am
Thanks for commenting Paul.
I would feel honored if you are to run my post as a featured blog at http://www.expatica.com , along with photos.
If you would need any additional shots, feel free to get in touch using the contact form.
Comment by Peter — October 25, 2007 @ 9:24 am