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Meet Genk
Why go to Genk?
Did you know Genk is the youngest city in Belgium? Genk got its humble start as a village, then got its boom thanks to the coal industry. Though it’s coal days are over, Genk has found joy making cars, in the arts, and nature. Genk has a vibrant feel with plenty of interesting festivals and events in the summer to see. Plus, SEA Tourist declared Genk the Friendliest City in Europe back in 2009.
What you need to know about Genk
Coal
Not too long ago, Genk was just a village. Then, Limburg’s coal industry boomed and Genk was really made. Back in the day, Genk gave life to 45,000 jobs in the industry making it one of the most important coal cities in Flanders. As you travel through Genk, you’ll see flashes of its coal past in its factories. Get a deeper look into Genk’s story in C-mine, a museum, cultural centre and former coal mine in one.
The Green City
You might think a former industrial city wouldn’t have much nature to offer, but Genk is a great exception. Genk is a great city to visit for nature lovers. Ever heard of Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen? A much loved and well-known National park, Kempen was the first National Park of Belgium. It’s absolutely massive and has tons of outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy. Genk has an entry point to Kattevennen where you can enjoy walks and cycling routes out in nature and tour the galaxy at Cosmodrome. But Genk has lots of smaller parks around the city to explore too.
Living history
We’ve all been to the museum. Need something new? Genk brings history to life at the open-air museum of Bokrijk. See historical buildings and rural life in Flanders recreated right here in Genk. Travel back in time to see the farms and the forge. This makes Genk a perfect visit for history buffs and families!
Transport
Getting There
Genk is connected to many other major cities on the roads. Genk is a 1 hour and 30 min drive from Brussels via the E314 or E40. One of the closest cities, Hasselt, is just 30 mins away by car. Drivers should have no issues reaching Genk by car.
Genk is easily reached via the train. Genk’s train station is right in the city centre and is served by trains IC and P. It’s a direct 1 hour and 40 minute train ride from Brussels to Genk or 2 hours and 20 minutes from Antwerp.
Getting Around
Getting around Genk is doable on foot. You’ll have an easy time in the city centre. However, to get to the bigger attractions such as Labiomista, C-mine and Bokrijk, you’ll need to use public transport or a car unless you fancy a long walk.
You can easily get around Genk by car, but Park & Ride is easy too. There’s lots of free car parking spaces a short walk from the city centre, plus convenient paid parking in the city centre. If you plan to be in Genk for a while, the underground parking garages are your best option.
Buses in Genk are operated by De Lijin. Buses regularly stop in the city centre. You can use buses to easily get around from the centre to further out to see attractions such as C-mine.
Genk is pretty cyclist friendly. Genk has multiple bicycle rental shops with affordable daily or weekly rental offers. The city is known for its beautiful cycling experience at Bokrijk where you can cycle through the water.
Essentials
When to go
Tourist office
Visit Genk
Website: https://www.visitgenk.be/nl
Address: C-mine, C-mine 10 bus 2, 3600 Genk
Phone: +32 (0)89 65 44 90
Email: [email protected]
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