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In As (Limburg, Belgium), there's a unique observation tower that directly harks back to the region's rich mining history. It's a 31-meter-high replica of the drilling tower with which Belgian geologist André Dumont first discovered coal in the Limburg subsurface in 1901—a discovery that laid the foundation for the region's subsequent mining and industrial history. The tower was built as a tribute to Dumont's original drilling tower, which discovered coal in As in 1901. The structure itself is 31 meters high, and visitors can climb approximately 130 steps to a height of about 25 meters, enjoying a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. From the viewing platform, you can see the green landscape of the Hoge Kempen National Park and, in the distance, the slag heaps of Eisden Winterslag and Waterschei, striking remnants of the mining industry. The tower is located near the As train station, which itself played a historical role in the mining era. After all, thousands of miners and coal trains departed from here to the larger mining sites in the region.

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The view of the lakes and slag heaps in the Klaverberg nature reserve is one of the most impressive panoramas in the Genk region and the Hoge Kempen National Park. Here, a landscape unfolds where rugged industrial history and young, resilient nature seamlessly blend. From elevated points, you can look out over glistening waterways, undulating heathland, and the striking silhouettes of the slag heaps, silent witnesses to the mining past. The slag heaps, formed from the waste from the coal mining of the former Waterschei mine, today form green hills reclaimed by nature. What was once a symbol of heavy industry is now a haven for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. The slopes bear a mosaic of grasses, lichens, pines, and birches, while in some places, rare plants have managed to survive thanks to the specific soil structure. At the foot of these slag heaps lie lakes and ponds created by subsidence and water extraction after the mine closures. These pools reflect the sky, the ridges, and the surrounding vegetation, creating an almost picturesque backdrop. In clear weather, you can see the water glistening serenely among the greenery, dragonflies skimming the surface, and waterfowl finding their way along the banks. The view changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, the heathland turns a fresh green, interspersed with purple accents from flowering heather. In autumn, warm shades of rust brown and golden yellow take over the landscape, while in winter, the bare slag heaps create an austere, almost mysterious atmosphere. Each season tells its own story here.

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In the Klaverberg Nature Reserve, part of the Hoge Kempen National Park, you have the chance to experience one of the area's most special natural experiences: spotting roe deer. This landscape, formed on a former mining spoil heap, consists of tranquil pine forests, open heathlands, young birch trees, and rolling paths – ideal living conditions for these shy animals. Roe deer love to seek out the tranquility of the semi-open woodlands, where they emerge in the early morning and at dusk. They move elegantly through the tall grass, often first visible between the trees as two waiting ears or a short, white, mirrored tail. The combination of elevation changes, quiet, uncrowded areas, and lush vegetation makes the Klaverberg one of the best places in Genk to see them. During a walk, you can also discover subtle tracks: hoof prints in soft sand, paths (fixed paths through the undergrowth), and sometimes even resting places where roe deer have rested. The silence on the slopes of the spoil heap increases the chance of an encounter, although it always requires patience and attention. Seeing a roe deer in this unique post-industrial landscape is a beautiful symbol of nature's resilience. Here, among old mining structures and regenerated forests, wildlife is once again given free rein. Perfect for those seeking a combination of hiking, experiencing nature, and a touch of magic.

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The Thorpark Pond forms a beautiful, tranquil focal point in the landscape surrounding the former Waterschei mine site and is now a popular stop for hikers exploring the Hoge Kempen National Park. The pond is situated in a green-covered depression between the Klaverberg slag heap and the surrounding forests, where nature has slowly but surely taken over the traces of the industrial past. On the banks, you'll find reed beds, willows, and open water where dragonflies hover above the surface and moorhens forage among the vegetation. The pond also attracts a variety of songbirds and amphibians, making it a small but valuable piece of biodiversity within the larger nature park. In calm weather, the water reflects the slag heap, the clouds, and the meticulously restored mine buildings of Thor Central... a beautiful contrast between history and renewal.

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This peaceful bench overlooking the Klaverberg nature reserve is one of those spots where you simply want to sit for a while. Situated on a slight incline in the landscape, it offers a magnificent view of the Klaverberg, one of the iconic mining hills of the Hoge Kempen National Park. Here, nature, history, and tranquility converge in a charming stop for hikers.

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beaver dam

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Beaver dam

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Beautiful view over the surroundings

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