Skip to main content

Menu

Hoofdnavigatie

What to do
What you need to know
Where to stay
Inspiration

nl
fr
de
en

Like

Kioskplein

Beringen colliery
Culture and heritage

Like

List

Share with

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Copy link

Location

Kioskplein 1, 3582 BERINGEN

You might also like

Gidstocht 'Tournée cité' (te voet) - tournee cité

Gidstocht 'Tournée cité' (te voet)

Did you know that the mine provided houses for its employees? Labourers, clerks and engineers could live in on-site residences. Each type of home was built in a typical style. Schools, shops, sports pitches, boarding houses, a cultural centre, a hospital and a church were built to fulfil the miners' needs.

A whole neighbourhood was quickly formed around the mining seat. It was called the mining estate or garden district. You can round out the walk with a visit to the mosque or the mine cathedral.

When: Every day
Duration: 2 hours/ 3 hours. Wheelchair accessible.

TIP!
A map of the mining estate is available for individual ramblers.

Reservations: Tourism Beringen: 011 42 15 52 or toerisme@beringen.be

Sint-Eucheriuskapel van Brustem - Sint-Eucheriuskapel van Brustem

Sint-Eucheriuskapel van Brustem

Dates back to the 12th century. Pilgrims
come here to worship Saint Bertilia, one of
the so-called “driegezusters” or three sisters.

Kapel van Helshoven - Kapel van Helshoven

Kapel van Helshoven

Moerenpoortmuseum - Moerenpoort

Moerenpoortmuseum

Nieuw Administratief Centrum (NAC) - NAC

NAC (New Administration Center)

In Houthalen-Helchteren the past goes hand in hand with the future. As symbols of two major periods, they stand out over our community: the pit heads and the New Administrative Centre (NAC), which has even made it onto the list of ‘100 places in the world that you just have to see’.

This futuristic and at the same time sober, ecological and extremely functional building is located on the old mining site and houses among others the municipal services, the OCMW (Social Service Department), the library, VVV-Toerisme and the police. The observation point on the roof of the building's blue tower, an artistic spot with an extensive view over this community and the region, is called ‘het Oog van Daubechies’ ('the eye of Daubechies').

This tower is named after a resident of Houthalen-Helchteren: Ingrid Daubechies. In the stairway enclosure you will find more information on her brilliant and famed mathematical formulas.

Windmolen De Hoop - Windmolen de Hoop

Windmolen De Hoop

C-mine Compressorenhal - compressorenhal C-mine

Compressor Hall

In the heyday of black gold, the Compressor Hall was the pounding heart of the mine enterprise. In a sense it was also its lungs for at the time it housed the winding mechanism and the compressors, which (among other things) supplied the underground shafts with fresh air. So what happened in this space was of vital importance to the miners down the pit!

John Selbachmuseum mét poppenmuseum - Selbachmuseum

Time travel at the John Selbach Museum

The John Selbach Museum is made up of two sections.
Painting and furniture collection
The John Selbach Museum is located in the former Ursuline Cloister on Boomgaardstraat in the centre of Maaseik. The first section holds the extensive collection of paintings from the 16th to the 19th century, depicting interiors, townscapes, still lives, landscapes, seascapes, animals and portraits.
In many ways then wandering through the museum, visitors take a cultural trip through the museum, visitors take a cultural trip through time. That impression is strengthened by the period rooms from the Renaissance to Biedermeier. The interiors and the zeitgeist are preserved there, too, as visitors are invited tot take a trip back in time.

Dolls and toys
As well as this imposing collection of paintings and furniture, the former cloister also houses hostess Corinne's Doll Museum.
The Doll Museum used to be in Maastricht. Some dolls are made from wood, but there are als dolls made from papier mâché, wax, fabric and biscuit porcelain. Mirroring the paintings set-up, the rooms housing the dolls are furnished in contemporary styles. There are 17th and 18th century period rooms, kitchens and fashion salons. The dolls are exhibited alongside accessories, such as miniature furniture, dinner services, tin toys, teddy bears, trains and other knick-knacks.

Ondergrondse crypte - Crypte

Ondergrondse crypte

On the ‘church field’ you will find the underground chapel built underneath the
Romanesque church. In the renovated crypt you can visit some archeological remains.

Apotheekmuseum - Apotheek

The oldest private pharmacy in Belgium

Six generations of pharmacists sold pills, ointments and medicines at this location between 1704 and 1959.The wealth of herbs in the drawers spreads a wonderfully pleasant aroma. Thomas Botti welcomes you to his colourful 18th century pharmacy. He was the first pharmacist compelled to keep his poisons behind lock and key. For instance, the Belladonna powder, which was popular among young women looking for a husband, was kept here. And the golden pills that reflected your status in the community Curious about more secrets of this pharmacy.

Neanderthalersite - Neanderthalersite

The Neanderthal site

The Neanderthal site in Veldwezelt is the first and only protected archaeological site in Flanders. The geological structure of the walls is unique in its kind in North-Western Europe !

A visit of the Neanderthal site will teach you a lot about these people. What did they do here ? How did they arrive here and why ? How did they live ? You will experience at the same time how the climate evolved, and which effect it had on the vegetation, fauna and flora.

Kunstgalerij De Mijlpaal - voorgevel

Kunstgalerij De Mijlpaal

De Reus der Kempen - De Reus der Kempen

Climb a giant on your own

Who doesn't dream of taming a giant? Want to do it on your own? That's possible in Peer. After collecting an entrance badge from the Tourist Information Centre, you can explore the tower. Be aware: 202 steps await you.
Opening hours church tower:
1 April through 30 September
Every day from noon - 5 p.m.
1 October through 31 March
Monday through Friday from noon - 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon - 3 p.m.

Individual visit: 1.50 euro/person

Kapel van Mazenhoven - Kapel van Mazenhoven

Kapel van Mazenhoven

The chapel Vilain XIIII in mazenhoven symbolizes the wealth of the region. Above the portal still show off the coats of arms of the families. From the chapel you have a very beautiful panoramic views over the river Maas.

Herdenkingspark - Monumentenpark

Herdenkingspark

Bezoekerscentrum Prehistorie Zonhoven - Zonhoven in d Prehistorie

Bezoekerscentrum Prehistorie Zonhoven

Binkermolen - Binkermolen2

Binkermolen

Sint-Maartenkerk - Sint-Maartenkerk

Sint-Maartenkerk

Kasteel van Betho - Kasteel Betho

Kasteel van Betho

Kasteel Vogelsanck - waterkasteel Vogelsanck van uit de lucht

Kasteel Vogelsanck

Proef- en Vormingscentrum voor de landbouw - Proef en Vormingscentrum voor de landbouw

Proef- en Vormingscentrum voor de landbouw

Romeinse omwalling - Romeinse muur

Romeinse omwalling

Sint-Aldegondiskerk - St.Aldegondiskerk

Sint-Aldegondiskerk

Keizerszaal - keizerszaal 2

Emperor’s Hall

Abbot Quarters

Enter the gate in the Diesterstraat and cross the courtyard. On your left are the 18th Century Abbot Quarters. The Emperor’s Hall was the Abbot’s reception room. The ceiling paintings are by the Italian master G.A. Caldelli and refer to abbot Jozef van Herck. The communal archives are now situated on the first floor.

Open from April 1 till October 31, only during the weekends from 02:00 PM till 05:00 PM. Closed from November 1 till March 31.

Molen Nieuw Leven - Molen Nieuw leven

Molen Nieuw Leven

Mill "new life" is a half open standard mill dating from 1801 who belonged to the domain property of the family Vilain XIIII. In 1920, the mill property of the coal mine E and still later the mill was purchased by the municipality of Maasmechelen. She was already in 1945 as a monument protected and belonged to the oldest windmill type. The mill was thoroughly restored In 1995. Miller Albert Venn keeps the mill running.

NAC-toren - Aanduiding NAC-toren

Climb up the NAC-tower (New Administration Center)

This futuristic and at the same time sober, ecological and extremely functional building is located on the old mining site and houses among others the municipal services, the OCMW (Social Service Department), the library, VVV-Toerisme and the police. The observation point on the roof of the building's blue tower, an artistic spot with an extensive view over this community and the region, is called ‘het Oog van Daubechies’ ('the eye of Daubechies').

This tower is named after a resident of Houthalen-Helchteren: Ingrid Daubechies. In the stairway enclosure you will find more information on her brilliant and famed mathematical formulas.

Climb up this tower and enjoy a 360 ° view.
You get an entrance card and a binoculars at the Tourist Office by showing your ID-card.

Children are only admitted under the supervision of an adult.

Voorste Luysmolen - De Luysmolen

Voorste Luysmolen

Sint-Heribertuskerk Remersdaal - kerk Remersdaal

Sint-Heribertuskerk Remersdaal

The landscape in the eastern part of the Voer region shows all the characteristics of the ”Land van Herve”: scattered farmhouses, meadows, hawthorn hedges and fruit orchards.
Apart from the neogothic St Heribertus church from 1897 some remnants and the farm belonging to the castle ”Het Hoes” may be seen. The much better preserved castle of Obsinnich, from the 17th century, is to be found some kilometres away from the village centre next to the railway line. It is now in use as a Youth Hostel.
When passing the borough boundary on the way to Sippenaken – where the splendid castle of Beusdaal may be admired – a curious monument is passed. It was raised in the memory of the victims of the electrical wire which separated Belgium and the Netherlands in World War I (the Great War)

Den Draad - Den Draad

Den Draad

Grafkapel van Willigen-Glavany - Grafkapel voorkant

Grafkapel van Willigen-Glavany

Mijnzondagen in het Mijnmuseum - Mijnzondagen

Mining Sundays

You do not know what to do on a Sunday? If you like a bit of culture and preferably in Limburg, the Mining Sundays of the My Museum your solution. Discover spaces are only for individuals and families. Accessible during my Sundays

From March up to November (every first Sunday of the month) you can enjoy a unique tour of this historic jewel of Beringen! Explore the bathing-hall, lamp room, room occupancy, shaft hoisting machine building and power. Interesting fact: reservation is not required! Please note that this offer is only available in Dutch!

Sint-Mauritiuskerk - Mauritiuskerk

St. Mauritius Church

Situated immediately behind the town hall, the St. Mauritius Church is a rare example of a hall church in our region. Its interior is beautifully renovated in the neo-gothic style and tradition. Also noteworthy is the rich colouring of the neo-gothic stained-glass windows and modern wall painting.

Gidstocht 'Tournée cité' (met minibus) - tournee cite bus

Gidstocht 'Tournée cité' (met minibus)

Join a cruise! Tour of the Estate allows you to travel comfortably through the winding streets of Beringen's mining estate.

The minibus seats 8 passengers; your guide drives you around. The guide navigates to places that you hadn't noticed and enlivens the tour with interesting stories.

The route is customised and a great way to explore Beringen's mining estate. A few highlights include the mining site, the coal dock, the Baltic camp, multicultural streets and several green public squares!

Reserve a seat and combine Tour of the Estate with a unique visit to the mining buildings.

CC Beringen - casino en plein

CC Beringen

gidstocht 'Fatih Moskee' - Fatih Moskee

gidstocht 'Fatih Moskee'

This Turkish mosque gives Beringen's multicultural character a unique accent. The Ottoman architectural style is recognisable by the two minaret towers and the large dome. The special character of the interior is defined by the lovely, hand-painted wall tiles.

More than a billion people of every nationality and culture all over the world are Muslims. A guide tells you about their faith, the "Five Pillars" of Islam, and how they pray. Be sure to take your shoes off!

Adults: €1.50
Children: €1
Guide fees: €60
Duration: 1.5 hours. Not accessible for wheelchairs.

Every day except Friday afternoon. The mosque can only be visited with a guide after making a reservation.

Avonturenberg be-MINE - avonturenberg

Avonturenberg be-MINE

Climb, clamber and slide on the Adventure Mountain and discover everything it has to offer. Through a forest of 1,600 poles you work your way to the top of the slag heap via giant steps, a rope course, climbing structures, crawl tunnels, walking paths, slides, play elements and viewpoints. At the top you can take a rest in the crater and enjoy the fantastic views. For the daring among you there is also a mountain bike course.

Combination arrangement for schools:
Schools can combine Off to work with the miner with the Adventure Mountain.

be-MINE - Avonturenberg - top

be-MINE

It's more or less the standard for Beringen and the be-MINE to be mentioned in the same breath. As a city, Beringen is inextricably linked to its mining past and be-Mine really is its best tourist asset. Nowhere else has a mining site been preserved in such excellent condition, and there's no other place where the mix between heritage, recreation and tourism has been such a resounding success.

Taking the time out for a be-Mine excursion is well worth the effort. There is so much to do in Beringen: enjoy a fabulous time shopping on Be-MINE Boulevard, go swimming at the Sportoase, have a climbing and bouldering adventure at Alpamayo, take advantage of Todi's diving and snorkelling facilities, explore the Mine Museum, play on Adventure Mountain (de avonturenberg) and go for a stroll or cycle along the coal tracks or mountain bike up and down the sides of the slag heap. Are you up for exploring it all? Pop by the tourist information centre for a user-friendly map and an explanation by the experts.

Mijnterril be-MINE - terril anb

Mijnterril be-MINE

Every inch a spoil heap
Coal that was brought to the surface had to be separated from stones via washing before it could be sold. The stones were piled up and the stone mountain or spoil heap was created. After the mine closed the spoil heap was sowed and signposted footpaths were created. Climb to 100 metres and treat yourself to an impressive panoramic view of the mine estate.

When?
The spoil heap is accessible between sunrise and sunset.

Price:
Free! Groups can hire a guide; the guide fee is €60 (for the first 2 hours).

Where?
You can reach the spoil heap in two ways. Park your car on the beMine site or on the car park at the Orgelwinningstraat.

Park van de directeur - park van de directeur

Park van de directeur

Hierarchy was important during the mining industry and that was visible on the estate. The director lived in a villa surrounded by unique English and French gardens. After an arsonist struck, this beautiful building was reduced to a ruin. The park was given a thorough cleaning and was replanted. Every large city has a park, and so does Beringen. It is a great place to walk, practice sports and enjoy the peace and quiet.

When: The park is open every day.
Price: Free! Groups can hire a guide. The guide fee is € 60 (for the first 2 hours).
Practical: Park your car at the beMine site or on the kiosk square.

Mijnmuseum - Klasbezoek - William Vanderheyden fotograaf

Mijnmuseum

Welcome to the Mining Museum in Beringen. Your visit will incorporate a new multimedia mine museum, an exclusive tour through the historic mine buildings on Mine Sundays, a delicious Koolputter beer in our café and enjoying the fresh air on the pit heap. There truly is something for everyone: families, groups and school outings can all come to us to be immersed in mining history. Tip: we have a special iPod tour in English, included in the ticket price.

Follow us

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

Over ons

About Visit Limburg
Press
Business tourism - BLCB
Privacy declaration