Attractions and Places To See around As - Top 20

The region around As is rich in natural beauty, primarily centered around the Hoge Kempen National Park. A must-visit is Mechelse Heide, an expansive area featuring heathland, forests, and moorland, known for its walking paths and stunning purple heather bloom in late summer. You can also find lakes and sand dunes within this natural reserve.

Yes, As offers excellent hiking opportunities, especially within the Hoge Kempen National Park. Mechelse Heide provides endless walking paths through heathland and forests. For more detailed routes, you can explore various trails like the 'Route Station As (blauw) - Mechelse Heide' or the 'View of the As Fishpond – Flemish nature reserve loop'. Find more hiking routes on the Hiking around As guide.

Cycling is a popular activity around As. A unique experience is the Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the former mining area and surrounding nature, connecting Terhills Resort and the Hoge Kempen National Park. The area also features extensive cycle paths, including routes like 'Cycling through the Mechelse Heide' or 'Station As – Cycle Path along the Meuse'. Discover more cycling routes on the Cycling around As guide.

For nature lovers, the best time to visit As is typically from mid-August to mid-September. During this period, the heather in areas like Mechelse Heide blooms, transforming the landscape into a vibrant purple spectacle.

Absolutely. The Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the landscape and industrial heritage. At Station As, you can climb a 31-meter high tower for a unique perspective over both the national park and the former Limburg mining region. Additionally, various spots within Mechelse Heide provide scenic vistas, especially from elevated points.

As has a rich coal mining history. You can visit the Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center (Connecterra, National Park Hoge Kempen), a man-made monument that provides insight into the region's industrial past. The Station As, the oldest preserved station in Limburg, also played a central role in coal transport and now features a visitor center in an authentic train carriage.

Yes, the region offers several opportunities to delve into its industrial past. The Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center (Connecterra, National Park Hoge Kempen) provides a photo exhibition and information about the former hard coal mine. At Station As, you can explore the historical significance of the railway in the mining era, with a visitor center housed in a train carriage and a street art project called 'The Yard' on old train cars.

Many attractions around As are family-friendly. The Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center offers an engaging look into history. The natural areas like Mechelse Heide are perfect for family walks. The Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge is also suitable for families to cycle or walk across. Even Station As, with its old trains and tower, can be an interesting stop for families.

Beyond hiking and cycling, you can also find running trails around As. Routes like 'Thor Park Pond – View of Klaverberg Hill loop' or 'Station As – Valley of the Bosbeek loop' offer varying distances and difficulties. Explore more options on the Running Trails around As guide.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural landscapes and industrial heritage. The extensive walking and cycling paths through heathlands and forests, especially during the heather bloom, are highly praised. The unique experience of the Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge and the historical insights provided by sites like the Eisden Mine Headframes are also frequently highlighted.

While specific dog-friendly designations are not always explicitly stated for every trail, the natural areas within the Hoge Kempen National Park, such as Mechelse Heide, generally welcome dogs on leash. It's always recommended to check local signage for specific rules and restrictions regarding pets in nature reserves.

Many of the main attractions and trailheads offer parking facilities. For instance, Station As has parking available, and the Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center (Connecterra) also provides facilities including parking. When visiting natural areas like Mechelse Heide, look for designated parking areas at the various entrance gates.