Thorpark – blue hiking route

7,90 km | Intermediate

The former Waterschei mining site is now a beautiful nature reserve where you will discover truly unique landscapes. Set off on the blue hiking loop to combine the best Thorpark has to offer. 

The hike starts at Thor Central, the old mine’s main building. Soon you find yourself in a landscape of slag heaps, heathland and pine forest. Want to make the route extra challenging? Climb the large slag heap. Stone men point the way to the top, but be prepared: it’s a steep climb! Above, you can see Waterschei's garden district and KRC Genk's stadium. 

Nature along the way is managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests, Natuurpunt and the Flemish Land Agency.

  • Blue hiking route
  • 7.9 km
  • Intermediate
  • Hoge Kempen National Park
  • Thorpark
    André Dumontlaan 67
    GENK

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Other routes in this area

In collaboration with Wandelen in Limburg

On this route

Thor Park Waterschei - thor 1

Thor Park Waterschei

Heritage and nature converge in Thor Park. Begin your visit at Thor Central, the main building on the site of the former Waterschei colliery, before setting off to explore the surrounding area with its imposing spoil heap, footpaths lined with little stone men and attractive picnic spots. The 30-hectare Thor Park is part of the magnificent Hoge Kempen National Park. You can explore the park either...

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Thor Park Waterschei
Thor Central - Thor Central

Thor Central

Thor Central is an impressive industrial building which was given listed status after the closure of the mines. The option of turning the site into a technology park came up when looking for a new and meaningful use for Waterschei colliery, one that would give this magnificent building a bright new future. Thor Central is now the beating heart of the Thor Park site. The Food Plaza is worth a visit...

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Thor Central
Terril en picknickplaats Thor Park - Picknickplaats Thor Park Copyright Kris Van de Sande

Slag heap and picknick spot Thor park Waterschei

The spoil tips in Genk are real beacons in the landscape. Do you know how they came about? These ‘mountains’ consist entirely of piles of waste rock removed from the different layers of the coal veins. If you see a spoil tip, there used to be a mine in the vicinity! These ‘waste mountains’ unexpectedly created their own microclimate, enabling you to discover a wide range of unique plants and...

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Slag heap and picknick spot Thor park Waterschei

Hiking routes nearby

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Mechelse Heide – red hiking route

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Zicht op het Schulensmeer in Lummen

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Pietersheim – purple hiking route

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