Winter or summer, spring or autumn? Put on your boots or walking shoes and get out into the beautiful countryside around Genk.

1. Boots path

This child-friendly adventure walk in Heempark leads through the recreation area and the ‘dorpsbeekvallei’ nature reserve. You’ll need your wellies because you’ll be walking across marshy land and wet meadows and over (or through) the brook. The route is marked by boots attached to poles. You’ll find various pieces of play equipment along the way. 

2. De Maten (‘The Meadows’)

This route leads to the loveliest parts of De Maten: heathland, large expanses of water, swamps… and you may have an unexpected encounter with a Galloway cow, a roe deer or another wild animal.

Starting point: Slagmolenweg 76 | orange walk: 4 km (1 hour)

3. Schansbroek

Do you know the Waterschei ‘schans’ - a historic defensive structure in Thor Park? You pass the ‘schans’, walk along the duckboard path over the marshy ground and past the Hornszeevijver (pond) and the slag heaps. Admire the view of our mountains and, who knows, maybe next time you’ll tackle them. You can pause for breath and something to drink at Thor Central.

Starting point at Thor Park, André Dumontlaan 67 | follow the green route - Schansbroek: 4.3 km (1 hour)

4. Schemmersberg ('shady mountain') 

The heather in all its glory! Several routes start from here but why not just roam freely. Follow the paths and you won’t get lost because it is very open and you always have an overview of the area. Enjoy the variety of wood, heathland and sand.

Starting point at the car park at the end of Wetzandstraat or Cobox car park

5. Bokrijk

The Bucksenrake route at Bokrijk takes in all the park’s highlights. The fully paved route runs round the Open-air Museum, past the castle, the arboretum and the various large expanses of water. What better way to relax after the hectic festive period! The route is accessible with a pushchair. 

Start from either car park at Domein Bokrijk | follow the yellow route: 4.1 km (1 hour)