Attractions and Places To See around Opglabbeek - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Opglabbeek include diverse natural landscapes and historical sites within the Belgian province of Limburg. The area serves as a gateway to the Hoge Kempen National Park, offering extensive networks for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore heathlands, forests, and former mining areas that reflect the region's industrial past. Opglabbeek provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Opglabbeek
- The most popular attractions is Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge, a bridge that offers panoramic views of the former mining area and surrounding nature. This 300-meter cycling and pedestrian bridge connects the Terhills Resort with the Hoge Kempen National Park.
- Another must-see spot is Mechelse Heide, a natural area with heathland, forests, and moorland. From mid-August to mid-September, the blooming heather transforms the landscape into a purple spectacle.
- Visitors also love Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center (Connecterra, National Park Hoge Kempen), a man-made monument that serves as a silent witness to the region's industrial past. Visitors can climb one of the twelve-meter-high headframes and explore a photo exhibition on the mine's history.
- Opglabbeek is known for its natural areas, historical sites, and recreational activities. The region offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring cultural landmarks.
- The attractions around Opglabbeek are appreciated by the komoot community. These 16 highlights have received more than 1000 upvotes and feature nearly 500 photos.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Connecterra, Hoge Kempen National Park
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Station As
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Station As is also one of the gateways to Hoge Kempen National Park and has an observation tower.
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Mechelse Heide — Lakes and Sand Dunes
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Cycling through the Mechelse Heide
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Connecterra is the main gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park. This unique area is located on the former mining site of Eisden, bordering Dilsen-Stokkem. A quarter of a century ago, the mine was still operating at full capacity; now it is a true nature paradise. There are big plans for this area in the making for the coming years, respecting both nature and cultural heritage. The hiking area has been developed and the routes offer some of the most beautiful panoramas in Flanders, with a breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes. In total, five routes will lead you through the area. The hiking area connects to the 'Mechelse Heide' and 'Station As' walking paths. In the new visitor center, you will find information about the national park and can relax with a drink in the tearoom. Outside, children can have fun in the playground. The spiral tower is accessible up to the first floor and offers a glimpse of what Connecterra has to offer.
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Station As is a former railway station on lines 21A (Hasselt-As) and 21B (As-Eisden). The station building now houses a restaurant and the Kolenspoorvereniging (Coal Railway Association) uses it for the operation of the tourist railway line Waterschei-As-Eisden. Station As is also one of the gateways to Hoge Kempen National Park and has an observation tower.
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The coal mining past lives on...
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The two winding towers commemorate the history of coal mining. In less than a decade, the history of coal mining in the Hoge Kempen region drastically changed the landscape. The last coal mine (Eisden) closed in 1901. In those 1989 years, the landscape transformed from a "rural" landscape of mainly heathland, moors, and dunes to an "industrial" landscape with winding towers, slag heaps, pine forests for timber harvesting, and quarries for raw materials.
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Beautifully designed bicycle bridge that allows cyclists to cross the busy road safely.
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must be beautiful when the heather is in bloom
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The western headframe of the former Eisden mine was converted into the Visitor Center of the Hoge Kempen National Park. Those who choose Terhills as a base for exploring the National Park will be guided through the headframe, with a cafeteria, shop and information center on the ground floor. The existing wooden reception building has been preserved but has a different function. https://www.nationaalparkhogekempen.be/nl/schachtbok
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special architecture and views over the surrounding nature
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Opglabbeek?
Opglabbeek offers diverse natural landscapes, particularly as a gateway to the Hoge Kempen National Park. You can explore the vast heathlands, forests, and moorland at Mechelse Heide, which transforms into a purple spectacle when the heather blooms from mid-August to mid-September. The area also features lakes and sand dunes, providing varied scenery for outdoor activities.
Are there good hiking opportunities in Opglabbeek?
Yes, Opglabbeek is an excellent starting point for hiking. The Mechelse Heide, part of the Hoge Kempen National Park, offers endless walking paths through heathland and forests. For more detailed routes, you can find various hiking trails around Opglabbeek, including circular walks, by exploring the available guides on komoot.
What cycling routes are available near Opglabbeek?
Opglabbeek is integrated into the extensive Limburg cycle route network. A highlight for cyclists is the new Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge, which offers panoramic views and connects the Terhills Resort with the Hoge Kempen National Park. You can find numerous road cycling, gravel biking, and touring bicycle routes around Opglabbeek, with options for various distances and difficulties, by checking the komoot guides like Road Cycling Routes around Opglabbeek or Cycling around Opglabbeek.
What historical sites can I visit in Opglabbeek?
The region around Opglabbeek has a rich industrial past. You can visit the Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center (Connecterra, National Park Hoge Kempen), where you can climb a twelve-meter-high headframe and explore a photo exhibition on the mine's history. Another historical landmark is Station As, the oldest preserved station in Limburg, which played a central role in coal mining and now features a visitor center in an authentic train carriage and a 31-meter-high replica drilling tower with panoramic views.
Are there any notable viewpoints in the Opglabbeek area?
Yes, several spots offer excellent views. The Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge provides breathtaking panoramic views of the former mining area and surrounding nature. You can also climb one of the headframes at the Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center for a unique perspective. Additionally, the replica drilling tower at Station As offers a unique view over the national park and the former mining region.
When is the best time to visit Opglabbeek for nature experiences?
For a truly vibrant nature experience, plan your visit between mid-August and mid-September. During this period, the heather at Mechelse Heide blooms, transforming the landscape into a stunning purple painting.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Opglabbeek?
Many attractions around Opglabbeek are suitable for families. The Hoge Kempen National Park, accessible via Opglabbeek, offers numerous trails for walking and cycling that are enjoyable for all ages. Specific highlights like the Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge and Mechelse Heide are great for family outings. The Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center also provides an educational and engaging experience for families interested in history.
Where can I find dog-friendly trails in Opglabbeek?
For dog owners, Opglabbeek offers designated off-leash areas such as Hondenlosloopzone Duinengordel and Hondenlosloopzone Opglabbeek, providing space for pets to roam freely and enjoy the outdoors within the natural surroundings of the region.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Opglabbeek?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse natural landscapes, especially the blooming heather at Mechelse Heide. The unique experience of cycling or walking across the Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge with its panoramic views is also highly appreciated. The historical insights offered by sites like the Eisden Mine Headframes and Station As, blending industrial heritage with natural tranquility, are also popular.
Are there any cultural hubs or museums near Opglabbeek?
While Opglabbeek itself focuses more on natural and industrial heritage, nearby Genk offers significant cultural sites. You can visit the Bokrijk Open Air Museum, known for its historic buildings and themed exhibitions, or C-mine, a former mining site redeveloped into a cultural hub featuring museums and historic landmarks.
How can I access the Hoge Kempen National Park from Opglabbeek?
Opglabbeek serves as an excellent gateway to Belgium's only National Park, the Hoge Kempen. You can directly access various parts of the park, including the Mechelse Heide, which is a perfect starting point for exploration. The Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge also provides a seamless connection between the Terhills Resort and the National Park.
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