The best cycling routes around Melberg

Thor Central is a powerfully impressive industrial building that was protected as heritage after the closure of the mines. The search for a meaningful function for the Waterschei mining site and the option to develop the site into a technology park also included the task of giving this beautiful building a new future. Thor Central has evolved into the beating heart of the Thor Park site. Besides the Food Plaza with restaurant Partaasch and brasserie Lampada, the building mainly has a business function, with meeting rooms, an auditorium, a central reception, and even a daycare center. Events and exhibitions are regularly held there.

Genk has three former mining sites: in Winterslag, in Zwartberg and in Waterschei. The latter can call itself the very first coal mine in Limburg. Although André Dumont first discovered coal in As in 1901, exploitation for our province started in Waterschei. The main building of the mining site is still a real eye-catcher. Today, technology, energy and innovation gather here under the name Thor Central, the ideal hot spot for a congress, meeting or team event. Moreover, from Thor Park you can explore the wonderful nature of the Hoge Kempen National Park.

Cycling across the heath takes you right through the Hoge Kempen National Park. In this park, vast pine forests alternate with endless heathlands. Thanks to the new connection between cycle nodes 550 and 551, nature is presented to you on a platter. You cycle across the Mechelse Heide, with 700 hectares, one of the largest heathland areas in Flanders. The highlight of this route is undoubtedly the almost 300-meter-long wooden bridge, a recognizable element in the landscape. From the bridge, you have a panoramic view of the natural surroundings.

The cycle path through the water leads cyclists over a 212-meter-long and three-meter-wide concrete path, with water at eye level on both sides. Swans and other waterfowl swim along the banks, curiously watching the cyclists. Since its opening, interest in this unique cycle path has been enormous. On average, 800 visitors per day explore this unforgettable part of the Limburg cycle network, with peaks on Saturdays and Sundays, and on some days even up to 5,000 cyclists.

One of the many bodies of water in the region. This one is dedicated to water sports.

A cycle path crosses the site. A magnificent setting! Add it to your itineraries.

it is a beautiful place to rest, eat and enjoy the birds on the water and views

Thor Central is the central building and information point of Thor Park, the repurposed industrial site of the former Waterschei coal mine in Genk. The building forms the beating heart of the park and is a blend of modern architecture and historical industrial heritage. Thor Central tells the story of the transformation of an active mine into an innovative and recreational zone where technology, science, and recreation converge. The original Waterschei mine played a crucial role in Genk's economy throughout the 20th century. Thousands of miners worked here daily in difficult conditions to extract coal from the depths. With the closure of the mines, the site was gradually repurposed, and Thor Park emerged as a center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and recreation. Thor Central serves as an access point and information hub for visitors: you'll find explanations about the industrial past, walking routes through the park, educational exhibitions, and events about science and technology.