Experience and discover
Gateways
De Maten - Slagmolen
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Slagmolenweg 76
3600 Genk
+32 89 65 36 00
Visitor centre
www.visitgenk.be
visit@genk.be
Hiking in an untouched pond landscape: this is possible in De Maten. This authentic nature reserve was spared from industrialised fish farming. It gives you an idea of what the 'Wijers' probably looked like in the past. ‘De Slagmolen’ on ‘Stiemerbeek’ dates from1523.
What is there to do?
Hiking
Start from the old ‘Slagmolen’ and discover the unique De Maten nature reserve. Here, you will find some authentic ‘wijer’ landscape with ponds connected by 'heads and tails'. You can find the routes on www.wandeleninlimburg.be
buy the hiking map
Hiking areas nearby
- Bokrijk-Kiewit
- Thor Central
- Kattevennen
Cycling
De Maten is located on the Limburg cycling route network that connects the entire region. The cycling map is available from the C-Mine Visitors’ Reception . If you prefer a signposted cycling loop, then choose one of the themed cycling loops through the ‘Wijers’ using the Wijers cycling map or ask the tourism office about one of the other cycling routes. Bikes can be rented via bokrijksales@limburg.be, vzw Basis op 0800 96 96 7 of www.toerismelimburg.be/nl/fietsservice
buy the cycling map
Food & Drink
Nearby
Molenvijver park
Go to the Genk Molenvijver Park to take a break in the busy city. Order a picnic hamper packed with Genk (multi-)culinary specialties and have your picnic in the original ‘Camp Carré’.
www.visitgenk.be
Heempark
Heempark environmental and nature centre consists of ponds and forests, but also landscaped gardens with vegetables and herbs. The children can let off steam in the playground or admire the farmyard animals. Visit the beekeeping centre or take part in one of the many summer activities.
www.heempark.be
C-mine
C-mine is a gem of industrial heritage and brings you the stories of the mine in a contemporary, creative and imaginative way. Do you want to know how dark it really was in the old coal mine or see the miners at work? Come to C-mine expedition, where you can pay a virtual and real-life visit to the Winterslag mine. Take a seat in a time capsule, put on your helmet and get transported back to the heyday of the mine in the 1950s. An unforgettable experience!
www.c-mine.be
Thor Park
Today, Thor Park is located near the old mines of Waterschei. Stone guides – or stacks of basalt stones – show you the shortest way from the main Thor Central building through a unique landscape of ponds and sand to the top of the spoil tip. And you will be tempted to make your own stone men. Why not have your picnic in this beautiful setting?
www.thorpark.be
La Biomista
On the foundations of the mining past and the former zoo of Zwartberg (Genk), a project is evolving that transports you into the unique vision of artist Koen Vanmechelen and his life's work in terms of identity, fertility & biocultural diversity. A garden of order and chaos, an arena of culture and nature. Vanmechelen's wonder lab.
www.labiomista.be