Genk, As, Zwartberg

Genk is one of the main industrial cities in Flanders. This is due to the three coal mines that used to be worked here. The city originated from a Celtic settlement and the name Genk was first mentioned in 1108. Due to the former coal work, Genk is very multicultural. Many foreign people came to Genk who hoped to work in the coal mines. As a result, approximately half of Genk's residents do not have Belgian nationality. Zwartberg is a parish and a district of the municipality of Genk. The village is best known for the riots around the coal mine. In 1966, a group of miners from the mine in Zwartberg went to the mine in Waterschei to call on their colleagues to join in the strike against the closure of the Zwartberg coal mine. At the entrance to the Waterschei mine, the strikers were met by a handful of gendarmes. The situation escalated and three people were killed in the strike. News of this tragedy spread around the world like wildfire at the time. The route starts at Profile Janssen Cycling Fun. You can have your bike checked here before you start and, if necessary, repaired before you start the bike tour. On presentation of your bicycle discount pass you will receive a 10 euro discount at this branch, so it is certainly advisable to make use of the good service at this Profile branch. During your tour you will pass the Limburg Police Museum in Genk, a nice stop for those who want to know more about police work in Belgium.