FAQ

Q – How much does it cost to visit the light art route?

A – It’s completely free for everyone.

Q – What time does the light art route start?

A – We follow the timing of sunset: the light artworks are visible daily between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM.

Q – When does this event take place?

A – The light art route opens on Friday, October 17 and the last day to visit is Sunday, October 26.

Q – How long does the full walking route take?

A – Walking the entire route takes approximately 2 hours, depending on your pace. The total route is about 5 km long.

Q – How do I know how to follow the route?

A – The entire route is lit up, so you can follow the light markers and signposts. A map of the route is available on our website. You’ll also find route maps and QR codes along the way linking to the mobile site.

Q – Is the route accessible for people with disabilities?

A – Most of the route is wheelchair accessible. However, the forest area in the Lumièrebos (artwork 4) is less accessible due to woodchips used to counteract muddy conditions. For an alternative, follow the Tuschinskypad, then the Diafragmapad, until you reach the Lumièrepad. Look for detour signage for wheelchair users.

• Artwork 8 at Atlantis Beach also has woodchips which may get stuck in wheelchair wheels.

• Artwork 12 at Stedenwijk Beach is on sand—please keep this in mind.

• All restroom locations along the route include accessible toilets.

• Tandem bikes for people with disabilities are allowed on the walking route.

Q – What do I get as a "Friend of ALLUMINOUS"?

A – For €10, you become a Friend of ALLUMINOUS. You’ll receive a collector’s item pin and can register for a VIP Tour with a free drink. The Friends ticket link is on the website. Your ticket barcode will be scanned at the info desk, where you’ll receive your pin. You’ll also get an email with a registration form for the VIP Tour.

Q – Can I buy the ALLUMINOUS pin separately?

A – Every year, a new collector’s pin is made featuring one of the artworks. This year’s pin is available for €5 at the info desks.

Q – I was invited for a VIP Tour. How does it work?

A – VIP Tours are by invitation only. You’ll receive a registration form. Once registered, your name is recorded and you’ll get info on the starting location and time. For other questions, email: info@alluminous.nl

Q – Can I visit the route by bike?

A – ALLUMINOUS is designed as a walking route for the best light art experience. However, for those who find it too long, there’s a separate bike route. Both the walking and cycling routes are marked on the map and with signs along the way.

• Bike parking is available near every artwork so you can walk up to the installations and then continue biking.

• The walking route is not accessible by bike.

Q – Is there also a boat route?

A – Yes, a shuttle boat will run between the Esplanade and Hortus. Note: this is not a tour boat, but a one-way shuttle across the Weerwater lake.

You can take the boat from the Esplanade to halfway through the route, walk the second half, and then return on foot another evening—or do it in reverse.

Q – What are the shuttle boat departure times?

From Esplanade Pier:

• 7:00 PM / 8:00 PM / 9:00 PM / 10:00 PM

From Hortus Pier:

• 7:30 PM / 8:30 PM / 9:30 PM / 10:30 PM

Q – Can I view the artworks from the boat?

A – The shuttle boat mainly serves to help visitors divide the walk over two evenings. The boat itself is also a floating light art experience.

• It is not a tour boat, and the ticket is for a one-way trip.

• The captain may share information about ALLUMINOUS, Almere, and some of the artworks glimpsed from the boat.

Q – Where can I buy a ticket for the shuttle boat?

A – Tickets are available at the info desks (Esplanade and Hortus). Only card payments are accepted (no cash).

• Tickets go on sale one hour before departure. First come, first served.

Ticket prices (one-way):

• Adults (12+): €5

• Children (3–11): €2.50

• Children 0–2: Free (on lap of adult)

Q – What’s the best way to reach the route by public transport?

A – Start at the Esplanade, which is a 10-minute walk from Almere Station. Alternatively, start at bus station ’t Oor on the south side of the lake—it’s a 5–10 minute walk to the route from there.

Q – Where can I park my car?

A – If arriving by car, it’s best to start your walk at the Esplanade in Almere Centrum and use the city’s regular parking facilities.

Q – Where can I park my bike?

A – If starting at the Esplanade, you’ll find several bike parking areas there. Additional bike racks are located along the route and are free to use.

Q – Can I visit the artworks during the day?

A – No, during the day the artworks are fenced off for safety and do not offer the intended experience. The lighting and darkness of night are essential to appreciate the works as the artists intended. Please visit after 7:00 PM.

Q – Where can I get route information during the walk?

A – Info desks are located at the Esplanade and Hortus. Staff are happy to help. Along the route, QR codes on banners link to the website. ALLUMINOUS staff members are also stationed throughout the route to answer questions.

Q – Can I visit the route with children? Is it scary for young kids?

A – The route is well-lit and not scary. None of the artworks are frightening for children.

Q – What is the ALLUMINOUS KIDS CHALLENGE? What age is it for?

A – It’s a free activity for kids. At the info desk or with artwork hosts, kids can get a Challenge Stamp Card with five questions to answer during the walk. For each correct answer, they receive a stamp. With all 5 stamps, they receive a small prize.

• The challenge is best for upper primary school children, but younger ones can join with a bit of help from an adult.

Q – Does it matter where I start the route, since it circles the lake?

A – You can start anywhere, but we recommend walking clockwise. The lighting is positioned for optimal viewing in that direction. Walking counter-clockwise may result in lights shining in your eyes instead.

Q – Are there food and drink options along the route?

A – There are 3 food courts:

• At the Esplanade (near Kunstlinie)

• Utopia Island

• Maastricht Quarter (Stedenwijk)

At Hortus (near the info desk and boat stop), a food truck serves drinks and snacks. You can also visit restaurants in Almere Centrum before or after your walk.

All food locations are marked on the map, available on the website and along the route.

Q – Are there restrooms along the route?

A – Yes, there are 4 restrooms:

• Esplanade (inside Kunstlinie)

• Utopia Island

• Maastricht Quarter

• Hortus Pier (inside PRICE)

Toilet use costs €0.70 (card only, no cash). All restrooms are marked on the route map.

Q – Which music acts will perform during ALLUMINOUS and where?

A – Performances happen every night at the Esplanade, Utopia Forest Theatre, and Maastricht Quarter. Full schedule available on the website.

Are you a music or dance group and want to perform? There is space available at the Maastricht Quarter food area. Registration details are on the website.

Q – Where can I find information about the artworks?

A – All artworks are described on the website. During the walk, you’ll find signs with short descriptions and QR codes linking to the full details online.

Q – What’s the connection between the theater/music groups and the light art route?

A – Most artworks are specially made for this event. Four artworks were developed in collaboration with theater groups that nominated a talent, who then worked with a visual artist selected by the organization.