Train driver Genk > Hasselt

From the hiking guide 'Treinstapper 1'

GR 5 North Sea - Mediterranean | GR 564 The Loonse Route
 

Hiking on Limburgian paths always conveys a little more vacation feeling. There is a sacred atmosphere among the forests. There is a beautiful balance between light and green. Already upon leaving Genk, one gets a taste: a forest with magnificent paths and sandy clearings. Shortly thereafter, one hikes in the De Maten nature reserve. It's wonderful. With a series of ponds surrounded by reed fields, where strange birds feel at home. Between the Albert Canal and Bokrijk, one can admire a splendid water lily pond. And you become acquainted with the muscular Limburg bulls. The provincial area of Bokrijk is about in the middle of the route. You might consider visiting it and postponing the continuation of the route for a new outing with a 10 km tour and a visit to the sociable Hasselt. The stretch between Bokrijk and Hasselt has more highlights to offer. First, the calming Herkenrode ponds. But just as beautiful is the Kapermolenpark, which houses the unique Japanese Garden. A hiking day that ends in the sociability of Hasselt is something to be filed away in one’s collection of 'beautiful memories.'