Cycling across the Kempen plateau

The Kempen plateau
The Hoge Kempen National Park covers approximately 5,750 hectares and contains extensive forest plots and heathlands. In the middle of the park is the Kempen plateau, a large rubble cone formed by boulders and stones from the Ice Age. The debris comes from the Ardennes and was deposited in this area by the Meuse. A large part of the bike ride takes you over this steep plateau, which you will feel in your legs. South of Maasmechelen you cycle past Villa Frindhem. This villa was once owned by King Baudouin I. You will also pass the Kikbeenbron valley, a nature reserve in a former sand and gravel quarry.

Genk's mining history
At the beginning of the 20th century, coal was discovered in this area. Mines were soon opened, causing a large influx of miners. Coal mining has stopped for decades and the buildings and equipment around the mines have been reused for new purposes. The Winterslag mine, for example, has been transformed into a complex with a cinema, theater, catering industry and other creative activities. The Waterschei mine has been turned into a science park, the Thor Park.