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

In the mood 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 varied gravel terrain.

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

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

Discover the three loops

Short loop (47km)

48% unpaved

An accessible route that shows 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 who want more kilometers and more experience.

You pass through 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 rider who wants to discover 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 visit the cafeteria of the Balance swimming building, with outdoor terrace and bike café label, or in the cafeteria of sports hall Arcade. Both cafeterias are regular meeting spots for athletes and offer you sanitary facilities and drinks in a sporty setting.

Hospitality

Along the way, you cycle through nature, water, and heritage and pass several cozy bike cafés where you are welcome for a well-deserved break.

In the green Thor Park, Thor Terrazza beckons, a summer terrace between the former mine buildings. With views of the water, comfortable lounge spots, and a selection of fresh cocktails and local snacks, there's an instant vacation vibe in the air.

At the entrance gate of the Bokrijk Open Air Museum lies Hof van Gaby. An ideal stop for coffee, homemade lemonade, waffles, local beers, and artisanal ice cream.

Roots Bar is a beloved stop for cyclists. This cozy eatery provides space for bikes and groups and is perfect for a drink or light snack in an informal atmosphere.

In the middle of the wellness campus, you will find Grand Kaffee Portavida, an accessible place for any time of the day. Thanks to the self-service and the spacious, cozy terrace, this is a convenient stop for those who want to eat or drink something quickly.

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, local beer, or organic lemonade. A perfect stop during a ride through the landscape of the Wijers.

Extras

Make your ride even more enjoyable with these unique stops:

C‑mine brings heritage and creativity together among impressive mining buildings, with space for culture, design, and encounters.

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 past.

Kattevennen forms a green gateway to the Hoge Kempen National Park, where nature and astronomy meet.

Bokrijk rounds off the whole with vast landscapes, heritage, and experience, from the Open Air Museum to Cycling through Water.

Who will you take with you on this adventure?