Art, heritage and scenery: three ingredients that make for a surprising cultural visit to Borgloon and all come together in the PIT project 'Art in Open Space'.

This artistic project is unique to Flanders and allows passers-by and visitors to look at the environment differently. Through the artworks, you can discover the many stories hidden in nature.

One of the eye-catchers of the PIT project is the see-through church by the Belgian architect duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. 'Reading Between the Lines' is a construction of ten metres high and consists of one hundred stacked layers of steel positioned in the shape of a small church of Borgloon. The unique way of construction causes the landscape to always be visible through the church.

Other artworks that belong to the PIT project are 'Memento', 'Untitled #58', 'Tranendreef', 'Field Furniture "Pure Nature"', and 'Twijfelgrens'.

At the tourist office Visit Tongeren-Borgloon, you can ask for a hiking guide free of charge.

You can't miss it: the old abbey of Herkenrode exudes a connection with the past. The historic buildings and the surrounding natural area display their charms in every season. The domain of the Herkenrode Abbey lets you enjoy it at your own pace.

Herkenrode was once the wealthiest women's abbey in the Netherlands. Today, the historic buildings have been beautifully restored or are still undergoing restoration. For instance, our abbey church is being rebuilt as the artwork Clausura by Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, a true see-through church in Corten steel. Phase 1 of this artwork has already been completed and is always open to the public. Would you like to take a look inside the buildings? You can! Along a 1.2-kilometer route, the Key Route takes you past hidden spots, miracles, and history. You are given the key to open doors... Opening hours for the route vary between low and high season; stay informed via our website www.abdijvanherkenrode.be.

But Herkenrode Abbey is more than just history. It is also a 100-hectare oasis of tranquility in a beautiful natural domain. Around the abbey buildings, walking paths lead you to De Wijers with its 1,001 ponds.

How do you get to Herkenrode Abbey?

By car
On the E313 (Antwerp-Liège) take exit 27 (Hasselt-West). Follow the N2 direction Herk-De-Stad. Just after Decathlon, turn right. From there, follow the signs to the Abbey Site’s free car park.

By public transport
Take the train to Hasselt station. At the station square take bus 51 Heusden to the stop 'Herkenrode Brug'.

By bike
The Abbey Site of Herkenrode is located between nodes 94 and 237 of the Limburg cycling route network.

be-MINE offers a unique experience for all ages. The Mine Museum will immerse you in the history of coal mining.

Prefer something more physical? The mine heap at be-MINE has been transformed into
a spectacular Adventure Mountain with a panoramic view. Plus, don’t miss visiting our
climbing centre, swimming pool or snorkelling and diving centre. In short: plenty of fun for everyone!

Prefer cycling or walking? Start at be-MINE and follow the coal track or cross the mine city.

At be-MINE there’s lots of variety for a weekend trip with the whole family

Bokrijk inspires you! In a world full of noise, Bokrijk invites you to embrace attention and simplicity, moments of real connection. In the Open Air Museum, new themed stops on mental health make you pause and look at things differently. Living History actors demonstrate the importance of community. Exhibitions allow you to experience how rituals and celebrations can provide structure and connection. In the Workshop Barns, you will discover how creating something with your hands can bring peace and space to your mind. And in the Construction Barn and Design Studio, you can create freely and learn through play.

Complete your day with an invigorating bike ride or walk through the 550-hectare park, past the breathtaking Arboretum, Cycling through the Water, and the large open-air playground.

Look, explore, be inspired, and above all, take your time... in Bokrijk! Info and tickets: www.bokrijk.be

P.S.: Don't miss the exciting events!

Anyone who visits Genk shouldn't miss C-mine. This creative hotbed lives and breathes a unique atmosphere. At the former Winterslag mining site, respect for the industrial past goes hand in hand with contemporary, artistic industriousness.

There is plenty to do both in and around the former mining buildings. Have you heard about the C-mine expedition, for example, an underground experience tour? A must-see for anyone who wants to find out more about Genk’s mining history!

The impressive, restored Energy building (Energiegebouw) is the beating heart of C-mine. There, you will find the C-mine visitors’ reception, where you can go with all your questions about the site, as well as activities and excursions in Genk and the surrounding area.

If you want to fill your lungs with fresh air, this is the place for you!
The gateways are the ideal starting places from where you can explore the National Park and all it has to offer!

In the Mechelse Heide, nature speaks for itself: beautiful heathland as far as the eye can see! Or would you rather climb the mining-stone hills in Terhills to enjoy a breath-taking panorama? Relive the noble past in the moated castle in Pietersheim or visit the children's farm with playground. In Thorpark, you literally walk through the rich mining heritage, where the history of the miners is still palpable. In Kattevennen, you can sit back and let yourself be carried away by the 360° projections in the Cosmodrome, while a barefoot trip in Lieteberg will never leave you disappointed! If you’re bringing bikes, then Station As is your ideal starting point. In the future Duinengordel (Commanderij Gruitrode, Oudsbergen) and Bergerven ('t Eilandje, Maaseik) will be developed as gateways.

The National Park with its dark green forests, vast heathland and shimmering fens invites you to go out on a hike. You can choose from 82 signposted loops, which start at the gateways. They are easy to combine thanks to the hiking switches. Did you know that two walks in Pietersheim carry a Premium quality label?

We’re confident that cyclists and mountain bikers, too, will find what they are looking for here! Thanks to the network of cycling tracks, you can easily create your own route. Mountain bikers have the choice of 10 signposted loops, ranging from 16 to 80 km, all varying in difficulty.

We even have a whole network of trails for horse riders. With clear signs and clear maps, you will never lose your way!

Would you like to strike out with a local? Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, a Ranger sets off from one of the gateways. Groups can also book their own Rangers online.