Genk

Genk, located in the Limburg province of Belgium, is a city that has reinvented itself from a coal-mining hub into a vibrant cultural destination. The former mining site of Winterslag has been transformed into C-Mine, a dynamic cultural center that houses a contemporary art gallery, a design lab, a theater, and a creative hub for startups. The iconic mine headframes remain as industrial landmarks, and visitors can take guided tours of the underground galleries to learn about the miners' lives. Beyond C-Mine, Genk boasts a rich multicultural heritage, reflected in its diverse cuisine and festivals. The city is also a gateway to natural attractions like the nearby National Park Hoge Kempen, offering hiking and cycling through heathlands and forests. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the open-air museum Bokrijk and the modern architecture scattered throughout the city. Genk's transformation is a testament to its resilience, blending history with contemporary creativity.

Don't miss

• Explore C-Mine cultural center: see contemporary art exhibitions, attend a performance, or tour the mine headframes.
• Walk through the historic mining district with preserved workers' houses and the old mine baths.
• Visit the open-air museum Bokrijk for a glimpse into traditional Flemish life.
• Cycle or hike in the nearby National Park Hoge Kempen, a vast nature reserve.
• Sample multicultural cuisine at local restaurants, especially Italian and Turkish.