ディルセン＝ストッケムのバイクパーク・トップ20

The Singektrack along the Kikbeekbron in the Hoge Kempen National Park near Maasmechelen is part of the trails through the Kikbeekbron Valley, a nature reserve that has become one of the park's most attractive landscapes since the conversion of a former sand and gravel quarry into a nature reserve. This area is characterized by a tranquil pond, heathlands, marshlands, and forests with a rich ecology that is home to typical flora and fauna such as dragonflies, heathland vegetation, grazing fjord ponies, and a variety of birds and insects. The area around the Kikbeekbron is part of the larger network of hiking and mountain bike trails in the national park, which showcases Flanders' natural diversity and is part of the official hiking and cycling trails that lead visitors through forests, heathlands, fens, and valleys. The Singektrack and surrounding trails are generally part of regular hiking networks and are also incorporated into long-distance routes such as the National Park Trail, a route of over 105 kilometers that passes the park's most beautiful spots. The section around the Kikbeekbron has a temporary route change due to nature management work. Due to roadworks and nature restoration, a section of this trail, including a section near and around the Kikbeekbron, will be temporarily closed or diverted, meaning that certain paths will be inaccessible to recreational users while these works continue. For example, the National Park Trail will be closed for minor roadworks in the valley between August 1 and December 31, 2025, for which detours will be signposted to minimize the impact on nature and protect vulnerable zones. In addition to these specific temporary updates, the park's accessibility regulations state that certain areas within the national park, including the valley around the Kikbeekbron and other vulnerable zones, are legally designated as restricted zones, meaning that access is only permitted via the designated paths and route networks. Beyond these trails, access to sensitive natural areas is only permitted with the park manager's permission or under the guidance of a certified ranger, as the park prioritizes nature conservation and ecological integrity. In practice, this means that the Singek Track and other trails around the Kikbeekbron are currently officially closed or heavily restricted for recreation, especially in areas where new nature restoration or management projects are underway. Visitors are asked to follow the designated alternative routes and detours and to respect the sensitive areas to avoid disturbing flora and fauna—something the park managers strictly monitor. Nevertheless, some visitors, like myself, report sneaking into the area despite the closures and construction. These kinds of personal experiences occur when trails aren't completely blocked, or when visitors ignore the signage to enjoy the trail and views offered by the Singek Track. Such experiences are understandable from the perspective of nature and outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience the scenic beauty of the Kikbeek source, but they technically fall outside the park's permitted access regulations, especially because management works and nature restoration are underway there, and vulnerable nature is recovering. The park emphasizes that access to closed areas is prohibited to prevent damage to the landscape and disturbance of species, and such zones are regularly designated as inaccessible. The Singektrack itself, before the works and restrictions, was popular for the natural diversity of the Kikbeek valley. It allowed you to walk along water features, through heathland, over soft woodland, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley. Its positioning within the network of hiking trails made it a logical, varied route for those who wanted to explore the area, showcasing the transition between open landscape, water, and forest that is characteristic of the Hoge Kempen region. However, since the announced works and new management plans, the valley around the Kikbeekbron has been designated a vulnerable zone. Managers are carrying out restoration and management projects to improve water levels, vegetation structure, and habitats, among other things. This has a temporary impact on the recreational accessibility of trails such as the Singektrack.

On the outskirts of Genk lies Thor Park, a unique place where natural heritage and technology converge. This former mining site has been transformed into one of the official gateways to the Hoge Kempen National Park, and you can feel it from the moment you enter. Here begins a landscape that has been constantly evolving: from industrial worksites to vast nature reserves where tranquil heathland and forests once again take center stage. Numerous walks depart from the park, taking you deeper into nature. The Klaverberg, a green slag heap towering above the landscape, offers expansive views of Genk and the surrounding forests. The Heiderbos welcomes you with open pine forests, soft moss, and heather vegetation that glows purple in summer. Even lower in the landscape lies the Thorpark Valley, a serene depression where water zones, young plants and birds, are slowly taking their place. Boardwalks lead you past heathland fens and wetlands so characteristic of the Hoge Kempen: quiet, fragile, and beautiful. It's an area built on the remains of vanished industry—a landscape that now speaks of restoration, resilience, and the power of nature. Yet, Thor Park is more than just nature today. It's also a breeding ground for the future. Where miners once dug down shafts, they're now working on solutions for tomorrow. Here you'll find EnergyVille, the research center for sustainable energy and smart energy systems. The site also boasts several modern business incubators and campuses where technology, design, and innovation reinforce each other. This tension between past and future—between old mining structures and sleek modern buildings—gives Thor Park its unique character. It feels like walking through a place that's constantly reinventing itself. Dotted between the buildings are paths and open spaces, artworks that perfectly complement the story of Thor Park. "Courteous Bow" and "Greeting" are beautiful examples: wooden sculptures that gently evoke human interaction and encounters in the heart of an environment that once revolved around labor and industry. They add a touch of poetry to the landscape. Thor Park is much more than a starting point: it's a place where nature embraces the past and where innovation shapes the future. An area where every walk brings a piece of history, a view, restoration, and tranquility, and where you enter the Hoge Kempen region with the feeling that the landscape has been waiting for you for centuries.

https://www.nationaalparkhogekempen.be/nl/thorpark "Thorpark is a 10 km² area behind the former Waterschei mine and has been part of the national park since 2018. Here you'll find everything the Hoge Kempen has to offer: mining mountains surrounded by heath and pine forests, a beautiful stream valley, juniper berries, and inland dunes. A few striking buildings add a touch of character to the landscape: the As Children's Colony and the Waterschei Coal Mine (Thor Central). If you'd like to see what the UNESCO candidacy is all about, you'll find a nice taste here. You can already take a long walk there, but there's no entrance gate yet, as is familiar to the other gates. Thor Central will serve as a gateway in the future. Now you can visit this building, which serves as an event center, without obligation, take a guided tour, or enjoy a snack or a drink in beautiful historic surroundings. Thor Central is also the vibrant Heart of a growing business and science park where technology, research, energy and innovation are at the heart."

Beautifully maintained park. Quiet and secluded so you can fully enjoy it.

Impressive facility for various sports

Super curve training

The 18.6 km MTB loop winds its way through the woods (Het Sweeltje, Reigersbroek, and Rosendaal) near Montfort, with countless curves and gentle ups and downs. If you love the Wild Mouse roller coaster at the fair, this is the place for you 😅 Some of the climbs are quite challenging, but with timely gear changes, they're manageable even on a regular bike. The connecting sections between the wooded areas offer plenty of opportunities to catch your breath. Apart from two small jumps that can be bypassed, there are currently no drops or jumps. Therefore, this loop is highly recommended for beginners! A great practice track for visual cues and line choice 👍 The circuit is quite challenging, though, and requires constant attention ☝️ The surface is currently a bit sandy, and I drifted quite a bit in some of the corners 😅 The rapidly changing corners are a blast, and you're constantly on edge 😎

Beautifully laid out and maintained route