Foodpilgrims Heritage Tasting Walk
October 16 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where does our food future really come from? In honour of UN World Food Day 2026, on the morning of Friday 16th October 2026, de Foodarchaeloog Jeroen van Vaerenbergh will guide an enthusiastic group of Foodpilgrims on a 15km sensory journey from Rupelmonde to Antwerp.
A culinary migration from the 16th century Renaissance to sustainable future food, Foodpilgrims is designed to connect Antwerp’s upcoming Smaakhaven with its origins. Between the 16th-century tidal mill of Rupelmonde and the city, participants will experience how food, landscape, and innovation have always grown together.
Through walking, distance regains meaning and food history becomes tangible. As a living prologue to the Smaakhaven, Foodpilgrims demonstrates that true innovation is rooted in craftsmanship and ingenuity. The story connects city and hinterland, past and future, and invites us to look differently at how we produce, share, and appreciate food.
Along the way, participants stop to sample the food innovations that time has to offer, created by today’s Flemish tastemakers including gingerbread 2050 of artistic baker Laura Geurten, Free Spirit bread of De Bakkerij etc.
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, carry an umbrella and a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
About de Foodarcheoloog:
Jeroen Van Vaerenbergh, De Foodarcheoloog, investigates archaeological food remains and uncovers fascinating stories about the everyday survival of ordinary people in the past, revealing a sustainable message that still resonates today.