Frequently asked questions

Q – How expensive is it to visit the light art route?
A – It's completely free for everyone.
 

Q – What time does the light art route start?
A – We take sunset into account: the works can be seen every day from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Q – When does this event take place?
A – We open the light art route on Friday, October 20 at 7:00 PM, and the last day to visit the route is Sunday, October 29 until 11:00 PM.
 

Q – How long does it take to walk the route from beginning till end?
A – Walking the entire route takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your speed. 
The route is approximately 5km long in total.
 

Q – How do I know how to follow the route?
A – The entire route is highlighted in blue, so you can follow the blue light markers. You can also find the route as a map on our website. During the route you will also find various maps and QR codes to the mobile website, where the map can be found.

Q – Is the route accessible for disabled people?
The entire route is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
We place road plates on areas where there is a sandy surface, so that these areas are also easily accessible.
Disabled toilets are also available at the toilet units along the route.

Q – Can I also visit the route by bike?
A – ALLUMINOUS has been developed as a walking route and for the optimal light art experience we recommend that you walk the route. However, for those who find the route too long, we have created a separate cycle route this year, making it possible to visit the festival by bike. Both the walking and cycling routes are indicated separately on the map and along the route.
A bicycle shed has been placed near each light artwork, so that you can park your bicycle, take a short walk to the artwork and then continue the route by bicycle. 
The walking route is not accessible to cyclists.

Q – Is it true that there is also a boat route?
A – This year, for the first time, an ALLUMINOUS shuttle boat will sail between the Esplanade and Hortus. So, when the ALLUMINOUS light art route is a bit too long to walk in one evening? Then you can choose to first take the boat from the Esplanade that will take you halfway along the route, and then complete the route by foot. Or you can walk the first half of the route and take the boat back. And then you walk the other half of the route another evening. 

The ALLUMINOUS shuttle boat departs from both locations every half hour.

The last departure of the boat (on both sides) is at 10:30 PM. 
 

Q – Can I also view the works of art from the boat?
A – The shuttle boat is mainly intended to give you the opportunity to split the route in two and divide the walk over two evenings. Besides that, the boat trip on this sailing light art object is an experience in itself.
So, it’s good to keep in mind that the shuttle boat is not a tour boat and you buy a ticket for a single trip.
Of course, the skipper will tell you something about ALLUMINOUS, about Almere and the light artworks that you will catch a glimpse of along the way.
 

Q – Where can I buy a ticket for the shuttle boat?
A - Tickets for the shuttle boat can be purchased at the information desk (Esplanade) or at the dock (Hortus - Archerpad). Here you can only pay by pin, no cash or credit card.
The ticket price concerns a one-way trip to the other side of the Weerwater, so it is not a tour boat. Unfortunately you cannot make a reservation.
Ticket prices (one way trip):
Adults - € 5,- (12 years and up)
Kids - € 3,- (4 – 11 years)
Kids up to 4 years - free of charge

Q – What is the easiest way to travel to the start of the light art route?
A – If you travel to the Weerwater by public transport, the Esplanade is the recommended starting location. This location is a 10-minute walk from Almere Station. The other logical starting point for a walk along the light art route is ‘’t Oor’ bus station, so you start your walk on the south side of the Weerwater lake. From the bus station you can walk to the Weerwater in 5-10 minutes and you can start the walk.

Q – Where can I park my car if I want to visit the light art route?
A - If you come by car, it is advisable to walk the route from the Esplanade, Almere Centrum and use the regular parking facilities of Almere Centrum. 

Q – Where can I park my bicycle if I want to visit the light art route?
A – If your visit starts at the Esplanade, you will find several bicycle sheds on the square. In addition, several bicycle sheds have been created along the route, where you can also park your bicycle and then walk the route. All bicycle sheds are free to use. [ > LINK TO MAP]

Q – Can I also view the light art route during the day?
A – During the day, all works of art are fenced off for safety reasons and there is a lack of the right conditions to optimally experience the works of art: the light experience built into the works of art and the darkness of the evening to see the works of art as they were intended by the artists. We therefore advise everyone not to view the works of art until 7:00 PM. 

Q – Where can I find information about the route during the walk?
A – An information desk has been set up on the Esplanade, where you can obtain information about ALLUMINOUS. Our information desk staff will be happy to assist you. In addition, you will find a QR code on the many banners along the route that will take you to this website, with all relevant information. And finally, there are also several ALLUMINOUS employees along the route who will be happy to answer your questions.

Q – Is it possible to visit the route with children? Is it frightening for young children?
A – The entire route is well lit, so children will not find it scary. The artwork itself is in no way frightening to children.

Q – Does it matter where I start on the route, as it is a walk all the way around the lake?
A – You can start the route at any location alongside the Weerwater. We advise you to walk the route clockwise though. The route lighting is placed so that it runs clockwise, ensuring the best experience. In the opposite direction, the lights may shine in your face instead of giving the desired effect.

Q – Are there catering facilities along the route?
A – Three catering squares have been set up along the route. On Utopia Island, at Maastrichtkwartier (Stedenwijk) and at Esplanade. Come and have a draink and bite at the various food trucks that you can find on these squares.

The food truck squares are clearly indicated on the map that you can find on the website and along the route.

Of course, you are also very welcome to have something to eat and drink at one of the many restaurants and bars in Almere Center before or after your visit to ALLUMINOUS. [> LINK TO HORECA CENTER]

Q – Are there toilet facilities along the route?
A - Along the route you will find 3 toilet facilities, all of which are located near the food truck squares: Utopia Island, Maastrichtkwartier (Stedenwijk) and Esplanade.
You pay €0.70 for a visit to the toilet. Please note: only with pin, no cash or credit card.
The toilet facilities are clearly marked on the map that you can find on the website and along the route.

Q – Where can I find information about the artworks?
A – All works of art are described on the website. During the route you will find signs with short descriptions of all works of art, and QR codes to the long description on the website.

Q – What do the theatre groups have to do with the light art route?
A – There are four works of art on the route that were created especially for this event. These were developed in collaboration with the local theatre groups that nominated a talent who were then linked to visual artists by the ALLUMINOUS organization.