The best running trails around Hasselt

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 Blauwe Boulevard, also known as Quartier Bleu, is one of Hasselt's most dynamic neighborhoods. The large-scale redevelopment of this area, completed between 2016 and 2024, has resulted in a harmonious integration of modern architecture, green spaces, and high-quality amenities. The Blauwe Boulevard comprises 400 apartments and homes, characterized by luxury finishes and a spectacular view over the Kanaalkom. The commercial heart of the Blauwe Boulevard is formed by the Quartier Bleu shopping area, where a diverse range of shops can be found, from fashion boutiques to specialty stores and supermarkets. Along the waterfront lies a promenade dotted with cafes, restaurants, and bars, where visitors can enjoy culinary delights with a view of the marina.

Even with a yacht or boat, you are more than welcome in Hasselt. The marina's jetties were completely renovated in 2021. The harbor is equipped with beautiful wide, floating jetties complete with amenities such as electricity, drinking water, and wifi. All info can be found at www.jachthavenhasselt.be

The Demermanneke originates from the person who had to keep the Demer clean. These individuals were the 'Waterschepenen' (Water Bailiffs) of the county of Loon. They bore the responsibility for maintaining the Demer, as well as controlling its flow rate and water level. Everywhere they placed the 'piegel' or measuring stick so that each water mill could grind in due course and accumulate water for the drive wheel. Their task also included safeguarding the Demer from wooden blocks and other floating debris, and maintaining the earthen dikes. Within the city walls, this always dirty man was soon used by parents as a bogeyman for children to ensure they didn't play too close to the water.

The original building, located on the Hasseltse Witte Nonnenstraat near the former beguinage, was a convent farm of the sisters Penitents of the Unity. After the French sold the sisters' confiscated properties to the Bamps family at the end of the 18th century, the building was converted into a distillery in 1803. Subsequently, the Stellingwerff and Theunissen families were the successive owners. After the death of the widow Theunissen, the activity ceased in 1971 and the distillery fell into disrepair. During this period, attention was paid to industrial heritage. Partly through the actions of industrial archaeologist Adriaan Linters and historian Roland Wissels, who owned a craft distillery himself, the building was protected by royal decree in 1975. The municipality of Hasselt bought the property in 1979 and had it restored. In 1987, it could be used as a museum.

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.