Frequently asked questions

Q – How much does it cost to visit the light art route?
A – It is completely free for everyone.

Q – What time does the light art route start?
A – We consider sunset: the light artworks are visible every day from 6:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can see the light artworks until 11:00 PM. From Sunday to Thursday, the light artworks are visible until 10:00 PM.

Q – When does this event take place?
A – We open the light art route on Friday, October 25, at 6:00 PM, and the last day to visit the route is Sunday, November 3, until 10:00 PM.

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

Q – How do I know how to follow the route?
A – The entire route is illuminated, so you can follow the light markers and route signs. You can also find the route as a map on our website. Additionally, you will find several maps and QR codes along the route that link to the mobile website, where the map can be found.

Q – Is the route accessible for people with disabilities?
A – The majority of the route is wheelchair accessible. Only the section in the Lumière Forest is less accessible because there are wood chips to prevent possible mud from rain. In that case, continue along the Tuschinskypad, then the Diafragmapad, up to the Lumièrepad. Please also check the signage for this detour for wheelchair users.

The ground of the artwork 'I Am Here (Not)' at the Atlantis beach consists of wood chips. Please keep this in mind, as these wood chips can get caught between the wheel and wheel cover of some wheelchairs and walkers.

The ground of the artwork 'Relay: Stonehenge' at the Stedenwijk beach is sand. Please be aware of this.

At the toilet units along the route, toilets for people with disabilities are also available.

Duobikes (designed 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 will receive a collector's item pin and can sign up for a VIP Tour with a free drink. On the website, you will find a link to the Friends tickets. Your ticket will have a barcode that you will have scanned at the info desk, where you will receive your collector's item pin. You will receive an email with a registration form for the VIP Tour.

Q – I have been invited for a VIP Tour; how does this work?
A – VIP Tours are by invitation only. You will receive a registration form. Once you have registered, your name will be recorded, and you will receive information about the starting point and time of the tour.

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 walking the route. However, for those who find the route too long, we have created a separate cycling route this year, allowing the festival to be visited by bike as well. Both the walking and cycling routes are clearly indicated on the map and through signage along the route.

Near each light artwork, there are bike racks so you can park your bike to walk to the artwork and then continue the route by bike. The walking route is not accessible to cyclists.

Q – Is it true that there is also a boat route?
A – This year, there will also be an ALLUMINOUS shuttle boat operating between the Esplanade and Hortus. Please note! This is not a sightseeing boat. The boat takes you to the other side of the Weerwater. So, if the ALLUMINOUS walking route is just a bit too long to complete in one evening, you can choose to take the boat from the Esplanade to halfway along the route and then finish the walk on foot. Or you can walk the first half of the route and take the boat back, and then walk the other half on another evening.

Q – What are the departure times for the shuttle boat?
A – The departure times from the Esplanade Pier are:
6:00 PM / 7:00 PM / 8:00 PM / 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM (only on Fridays and Saturdays).

A – The departure times from the Hortus Pier are:
6:30 PM / 7:30 PM / 8:30 PM / 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM (only on Fridays and Saturdays).

Q – Can I also view the artworks from the boat?
A – The shuttle boat is primarily intended to allow you to split the route and complete the walk over two evenings. Additionally, the boat ride on this floating light art object is an experience in itself.

It is not a sightseeing boat, and you purchase a ticket for a one-way trip.

Of course, the captain will tell you a bit about ALLUMINOUS, Almere, and the light artworks you will catch glimpses 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 both info desks (Esplanade and Hortus). At the info desks, you can only pay with a debit card, no cash. Please note! Tickets are available for purchase starting one hour before the next departure.

The ticket price is for a one-way trip to the other side of the Weerwater; it is not a sightseeing boat.

Ticket prices (one-way):
Adults - €5 (12 years and older)
Children - €2.50 (4–11 years)
Children under 4 years - free (on an adult's lap)

Q – How do I get to the light art route by public transport?
A – If you are traveling to the Weerwater by public transport, we recommend starting at the Esplanade. This location is a 10-minute walk from Almere Station. The other logical starting point for a walk along the light art route is the bus station ‘t Oor’, so you can start your walk on the south side of the Weerwater. From the bus station, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the Weerwater to begin your walk.

Q – Where can I park my car if I want to visit the light art route?
A – If you come by car, we recommend starting your walk from the Esplanade, Almere Centrum, and using the regular parking facilities in Almere Centrum.

Q – Where can I park my bike if I want to visit the light art route?
A – If you start your visit at the Esplanade, you will find several bike racks in the square. Additionally, there are multiple bike racks along the route where you can park your bike and then walk the route. All bike racks are free to use.

Q – Can I also view the light art route during the day?
A – During the day, all artworks are fenced off for safety reasons, and the right conditions to optimally experience the artworks are lacking: the light experience built into the artworks and the darkness of the evening to see the artworks as intended by the artists. We therefore recommend that everyone only begin viewing the artworks from 6:00 PM.

Q – Where can I find information about the route during the walk?
A – At the Esplanade and Hortus, info desks have been set up where you can get information about ALLUMINOUS. Our info desk staff are happy to assist you. Additionally, you will find many banners along the route with a QR code that takes you to this website, allowing you to read the information online. Lastly, there will also be several ALLUMINOUS staff members along the route who will be happy to answer your questions.

Q – Is it possible to visit the route with children? Is it scary for young children?
A – The entire route is well lit, so children will not find it scary. The artworks themselves are not frightening in any way for children.

Q – Does it matter where I start on the route, since it is a walk that goes all around the lake?
A – You can start the route at any location around the Weerwater. However, we recommend walking the route clockwise. The route lighting is positioned in such a way that walking clockwise provides the best experience. In the opposite direction, the lights may shine in your face instead of providing the desired effect.

Q – Are there catering facilities along the route?
A – There are 3 catering squares along the route. On Utopia Island, at the Maastricht Quarter (Stedenwijk), and at the Hortus pier (next to PRICE). Come enjoy a bite to eat and a drink at the various food trucks you can find in these squares.

The catering facilities are clearly marked on the map available on the website and along the route.

Of course, you are also welcome to come and eat or drink at one of the many catering establishments in Almere Centrum before or after your visit to ALLUMINOUS. On our website, you will find an overview of restaurants offering a special ALLUMINOUS promotion.

Q – Are there toilet facilities along the route?
A – Along the route, you will find 4 toilet facilities, mostly located near the catering squares: Esplanade, Utopia Island, Maastricht Quarter (Stedenwijk), Hortus pier (inside PRICE).

For a toilet visit, you pay €0.70. Please note: only debit card payment is accepted, no cash.

The toilet facilities are clearly marked on the map available on the website and along the route.

Q – Which music acts will perform during ALLUMINOUS and where?
A – Music performances take place every evening at the Utopia Forest Theater and on the Hortus catering square. For exact times and the full program, please check the website.

If you have a music or dance group and would like to perform, there is an opportunity at our catering square in the Maastricht Quarter (Stedenwijk). You can see where to register on the website.

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

Q – What do the theater and music groups have to do with the light art route?
A – Four artworks have been created specifically for this event along the route. These have been developed in collaboration with theater groups that nominated a talent, which the organization then matched with visual artists.