The green lungs of Genk

Around Genk there are beautiful nature reserves, but also cultural-historical hotspots such as Open Air Museum Bokrijk and the former mining site of Winterslag. Prepare yourself for a beautiful long day of cycling in Belgian Limburg.

Kempen plateau
From the pleasant Bilzen you drive straight into nature. You will pass through the Munsterbos and the Hoefaert, two beautifully varied nature reserves that lie on the transitional area between the dry Kempen plateau and the humid Haspengouw. In the Munsterbos grows, among other things, a rare old oak forest. You also drive through the coniferous forests of the Kattenvennen, one of the six gateways to the Hoge Kempen National Park. In the middle of this domain there is a gigantic star globe: the Cosmodrome.

Bokrijk Open Air Museum
At C-mine, the former mining site of Winterslag, Genk's industrial heritage has been revived. Here you can climb the large pit head for a spectacular view. In the Bokrijk Open Air Museum you can experience how people used to live in more than 100 historical houses. The stream of stories here is endless.

Experience Bilzen
You will also find a lot of cultural history in Bilzen. For example, on the Market Square you will find the beautiful town hall from 1685, built in the Maasland Renaissance style. The Sint-Mauritius church originally dates from the fifteenth century. Because Bilzen is located in Belgian Limburg, there is no shortage of delicious fresh pies. Also try a beer from the local craft brewery Den Toetëlèr on a terrace. Or order a regional dish, such as rabbit or farm chicken Bilzen style. Enjoy! Do you want to explore Haspengouw a bit further? Then also drive route 345330.