GENK: THE «GREEN CITY» OF… COAL MINES

It was a coal mining town for years, but now it has transformed its abandoned coal mines into pioneering and innovative icons of culture! It was an area until the middle of the 20th century without many inhabitants, as it was mainly a pole of attraction for miners from all over Europe. After 1960 it started to develop and the nature reserves and marshlands have somehow given the nickname «The Green City».

Currency: Euro

Calling Code: +32

Nearest airports from city center: Maastricht Airport (30km), Eindhoven Airport (72km), Brussels Airport (90km), Dusseldorf Airport (116km), , Charleroi Airport (127km), Cologne Airport (129km), Amsterdam Airport (158km).

TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING

*** C-MINE (Koolmijn Winterslag, C-Mine 10/bus 1, 3600 Genk)

It is a cultural area around the towers and buildings of the Winterslag mine and you can admire the huge domes of the engine room and power plant up close.

*** BOKRIJK

About a 10-minute drive from the center of Genk, you’ll find this open-air museum that has gathered buildings from three centuries ago and you’ll see representations of the lives of farmers, preachers and residents hundreds of years ago.

*** EMILE VAN DORENMUSEUM (Henri Decleenestraat 21, 3600 Genk)

Tour the house where the famous Belgian painter (1865-1949) lived, capture his artwork and see the area from which he was inspired.

*** MIJNDEPOT (André Dumontlaan 67, 3600 Genk)

In the main building of the Waterschei coal mine you will find this mining museum built by former miners to learn about their work and their daily life.

*** LABIOMISTA (Marcel Habetslaan 58/60, 3600 Genk)

In this wonderful space you can admire works of contemporary art, a garden that combines culture and nature and a meeting place for creation, collaborations and new ideas!

*** COSMODROME (Planetariumweg 18/19, 3600 Genk)

If you like space and planets then you must visit. There you will meet a high-tech 360° projection room and it will take you on a journey into space.

*** UITKIJKTOREN TE AS (3665 As)

This particular 31 meter tall observation tower has historical significance. Yes, it’s a replica, but it captures the drill that André Dumont used to get the first coal out of the ground in 1901. It is about 10 minutes drive away from the city center.

*** KASTEEL ENGELHOF (Hengelhoefdreef 2, 3530 Houthalen-Helchteren)

If you have time it is worth taking a stroll around this magnificent castle and exploring the interior and exterior spaces. Near the old gate enjoy your drink in a green oasis. It is about 10 minutes drive away from the city center.

*** HOGE KEMPEN NATIONAL PARK

If you like hiking and nature activities, then you’ve come to the right place!

*** BEZOEKERSCENTRUM HENGELHOEF (Hengelhoefdreef 6, 3530 Houthalen-Helchteren)

It is an ideal place for hiking and exploring the Hengelhoef Nature Reserve in the nearby Teut and Ten Haagdoornheide areas. Also visit the renovated wooden house. It is about 10 minutes drive away from the city center.

ΤΗINGS TO DO

*** Enjoy nature at Milieu- en Natuurcentrum Heempark.

*** Genk is ideal for hiking and Heiderbos is also a good choice. Get up very early in the morning and walk.

*** Walk Genk Central and chat with the residents. It is one of the friendliest cities in the world!

FOOD AND DRINK

It is a city where you will find many cuisines from Europe, Asia and the USA. You will of course also enjoy traditional Belgian food such as Mussels, Carrot stoemp, Waterzooi, Konijn met pruimen. For the… geeks in Genk you will find zoervleis (sweet and sour horsemeat stew) and balkenbrij (spicy blood pudding). Accompany your food with beer and of course try one of the traditional sweets for dessert. The waffle should not be missing from your table.

WHERE TO STAY

The city does not have many hotels, but all are reasonably priced located in the city center. Of course, there are also hotels in neighboring areas at a maximum distance of 10 km.

FUN AND SHOPPING

*** In the city center you will find many shops to do your shopping.

*** The main shopping streets are Vennestraat, Stalenstraat and Hoevenzavellan.

*** It also has large shopping centers called “Shopping 1”, “Shopping 2” and “Shopping 3”.

*** In the areas Zaveldries, the Koning Boudewijnlaan and Landwaartslaan you can also do your shopping.

*** If you want to have fun and become footballers, then go to Genk stadium and experience «GoalMine».

HOW TO GET AROUND

The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bike.

CITIES NEAR GENK

Major cities close to Genk are Hasselt (15km), Maastricht (21km), Aachen (57km), Eindhoven (67km), Antwerp (90km), Monchengladbach (90km), Brussels (93km), Tilburg (98km), Mechelen (104km), Dusseldorf (112km), Ghent (149km) and Amsterdam (186km).

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