Everything you need to know about the Urban Gravel Route in Genk

Looking for a gravel experience that seamlessly connects nature, sports, and culture? The Urban Gravel Route in Genk is not a classic gravel ride. The three loops combine beautiful natural areas, urban hotspots, iconic heritage sites, and varying gravel terrain.

This route is part of the Sporza Off-Road-selection. Discover videos, tips, and other off-road routes in Flanders. 

All loops are downloadable as gpx and the shortest route is also fully signposted.

Discover the three loops

Short loop (47km)

• 48% unpaved

• An accessible route that showcases the essence of Genk: greenery, culture, and heritage. This gravel loop is also fully signposted, the first in Flanders.

• The highlights along the way include Thor Central, Kattevennen, De Maten, Bokrijk with Cycling through Water, and C-mine.

Medium loop (70km) 

• 47% unpaved
• The ideal mix of nature, art, and mining history for those wanting more kilometers and more experience.
• You pass by Winterslag, Hengelhoef, Labiomista, Zwartberg, and Thor Central.

Long loop (90km)

• 49% unpaved
• An adventurous ride through large natural areas, mining sites, art locations, and open heath landscapes, for the experienced gravel biker wanting to explore Genk fully.
• With passages through Tenhaagdoornheide, Kelchterhoef, Labiomista, Zwartberg, Thor Central, and Bokrijk.

Starting point

The three loops all start at the SportinGenk Park (Emiel Van Dorenlaan 144, 3600 Genk).

Parking

There is ample free parking available at SportinGenk Park.

Facilities

Before or after your ride, you can stop by the cafeteria of the Balance swimming pool building, with an outdoor terrace and cycling café label, or at the cafeteria of sports hall Arcade. Both cafeterias are popular meeting spots for athletes and offer sanitary facilities and beverages in a sporty setting.

Catering

Along the way, you will cycle by nature, water, and heritage and pass various cozy cycling cafés where you are welcome for a well-deserved break.

• In the green Thor Park, Thor Terrazza beckons, a summer terrace between former mine buildings. With a view of the water, comfortable lounge spots, and a selection of refreshing cocktails and local snacks, there is an instant vacation vibe in the air.
• At the entrance gate of the Open Air Museum Bokrijk lies Hof van Gaby. An ideal stop for coffee, homemade lemonades, waffles, regional beers, and artisanal ice cream.
• Roots Bar is a beloved stop for cyclists. This cozy eatery offers space for bikes and groups and is perfect for a drink or snack in a relaxed atmosphere.
• In the middle of the wellness campus, you will find Grand Kaffee Portavida, an accessible place for any time of the day. With self-service and a spacious, cozy terrace, this is a convenient stop for those wanting to grab a quick bite or drink.
• In the nature reserve De Maten, you will find the Outdoor Bar of the Slagmolen. Here you can completely relax in a green garden or heated tent, with a coffee, regional beer, or organic lemonade. A perfect stop during a trip through the landscape of the Wijers.

Extras

Make your ride even more enjoyable with these unique stops:

• C‑mine brings heritage and creativity together amidst impressive mining buildings, with space for culture, design, and meeting.
• LABIOMISTA surprises as a unique mix of art, nature, and reflection in the work of Koen Vanmechelen.
• Thor Central impresses with its monumental architecture and tangible industrial history.
• Kattevennen forms a green gateway to the Hoge Kempen National Park, where nature and astronomy meet.
• Bokrijk rounds it all off with vast landscapes, heritage, and experiences, from the Open Air Museum to Cycling through Water.

Who are you taking on this adventure?