The best running trails around Genk

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.

De Klaverberg is a largely wooded sand dune and also the name of the surrounding nature reserve on the border of the Belgian municipalities of As, Genk and Oudsbergen. It borders the Opglabbekerzavel heathland and other wooded nature areas. The area is named after the cloverleaf-shaped blown sand dunes, which form a, mainly wooded, dune ridge over a length of approximately 1.7 kilometers. The sand dunes probably originated as a result of the blowing away of sand that was exposed by overgrazing and too frequent turf stripping of southwestern heathlands. Klaverberg on an 18th-century Ferraris map De Klaverberg is overshadowed by the remediated spoil tip of the former Waterschei coal mine, with a top of up to 155 meters above sea level. These scenically most striking witnesses of the mining past cover a part of the dunes.

The Klaverberg is a largely wooded sand dune and also the name of the surrounding nature reserve on the border of the Belgian municipalities of As, Genk and Oudsbergen. It borders the Opglabbekerzavel heathland and other wooded nature reserves. The area is named after the cloverleaf-shaped sand dunes, which form a mainly wooded dune ridge for about 1.7 kilometers. The sand dunes possibly originated from the blowing sand that was exposed due to overgrazing and too frequent sod cutting in southwestern heathlands. Klaverberg on an 18th-century Ferraris map The Klaverberg is overshadowed by the remediated slag heap of the former Waterschei coal mine, with a summit up to 155 meters above sea level. These most visually striking remnants of the mining past cover a part of the dunes.

The Kapermolenpark has undergone a thorough renovation. The Demer now connects beautifully with the water features in the park and a walking path now leads you over the water.

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.

Curious about the origins of our current customs and traditions? In the Bokrijk Open Air Museum, you'll discover how the past inspires our future! Dive into the history of crafts and gain practical experience during fascinating workshops. Immerse yourself in the art of bread baking, textiles, and woodworking. Discover heritage breeds at the beautifully restored museum farm or learn all about historical brewing at the Het Paenhuys museum brewery.

Cycle bridge next to the road bridge. A beautiful structure for a safe crossing.

Homeleswijer is one of the characteristic ponds (wijers/ponds) you'll encounter during walks through the De Maten nature reserve in the Belgian province of Limburg. It lies within the watery landscape of the reserve, which is part of the larger De Wijers pond area, a network of natural and man-made ponds that originated from centuries-old fish farming traditions in the region. In De Maten, the Stiemerbeek stream and its tributaries formed the basis for pond complexes containing water features like the Homeleswijer. Dams and overflows made fish farming possible, creating a unique marsh and pond landscape full of reed beds, open water, and wet grasslands. Walking trails through De Maten—ranging from short loops to longer hikes—run along and around these ponds. They are true natural treasures: herons, waterfowl, and typical marsh plants can be found here, and information boards often line the path explaining the ecology and water management. Many walks along the Homeleswijer are signposted and start, for example, at the Slagmolen in Genk or at other access points in De Maten.