The best MTB trails around Zonhoven

The Westerring in Genk has a modern cycle bridge. This new cycle bridge is part of the effort to eliminate dangerous points in Flanders. Sweco Belgium was responsible for the reference design and the control of the technical calculations. The architectural design was by Arteum Architects. The cycle bridge is part of a larger project, including the construction of an access and exit complex at Nieuwe Kuilenweg / Westerring as well as the intersection with Europalaan. Thanks to this bridge, cyclists and pedestrians can safely cross the Westerring (N76). The new Genk cycle bridge was designed according to the integrated process of Architectural Engineering. Sweco's engineers were involved from the very first design phase. Together with the designers from Arteum Architects, they bridged the gap between design and technology, and strengthened the architectural concept. The result is a contemporary design, an eye-catcher for years to come. The design was even appreciated at an international engineering competition by the Nemetschek Structural Group. Despite the striking design, the original budget was respected. Every kilo of steel was optimally utilized and, through smart sustainable interventions, the total life cycle cost remained limited.

Beautiful view of the castle

In the middle of nature, magnificent landscape.

The summit of the Bolderberg has been awarded the "2-star landscape spot." Imagine yourself standing by the sea. Millions of years ago, it was! The Bolderberg, a "heritage hill," was once a sandbank left behind after the sea retreated. At 60 meters, the summit of the Bolderberg is among the highest peaks in Limburg. The Bolderberg is located in the Wijers region, where you'll find more than 1,000 ponds! These are fed by the Echelbeek and Laambeek streams. They make the region a valuable nature reserve for numerous bird species and other animals. From the star-studded spot, you can look out over the ponds and Terlaemen Castle. These ponds were created around the 13th century by the mining of iron sandstone. Later, they were used as fish breeding ponds by the abbeys of Herkenrode and Averbode.

In 2022, around 30 slow roads in Heusden-Zolder received nameplates. A brilliant move to raise awareness of the many unknown church paths, country lanes, and shortcuts to the general public. More walkers and cyclists passing along slow roads means more safe travel, less congestion, and a greater experience for users. And the slow roads themselves are less likely to become congested.

Deep in the woods around Thor Park and the Klaverberg, the old train tracks still lie, silent witnesses to Genk's industrial past. These tracks were once the lifeblood of the Waterschei coal mine: wagons full of coal, and sometimes even workers, would rush along the rails, connecting them to the rest of Limburg and Belgium. Today, the tracks are abandoned and partly overgrown with moss, ferns, and young trees. The contrast between the rusty steel and the green vegetation makes it a particularly photogenic landscape. During walks, you can follow the tracks along winding forest paths, sometimes almost completely hidden by fallen leaves and undergrowth. The old train tracks are more than just decorative: they tell a story of labor, industry, and the transformation of the landscape. Hikers experience both the tranquility of the forest and the historical power of the industrial past, making every step along the tracks feel like a connection between then and now.

Perfect heathland and sand road!

Is good for MTB