Spectacular panoramas, mining heritage, an adventure play pit and so much more! Welcome to Terhills, where more than a quarter of a century ago the Eisden coal mine was still running at full speed. Today, the landscape looks completely different and you can enjoy a surprising landscape of “mountains and lakes” with spectacular panoramas.
Terhills is the ideal starting point to start your adventure as it is our main gateway where you will find the National Park Visitor Centre.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening hours National Park Visitor Center
Open daily from:
April through September: 10am - 6pm
October through March: 10am - 5pm, on Mondays the Visitor Center is closed, the hiking area remains accessible through the swing gate
Closed on 01/01, 24 - 25 and 31/12
Ticket
Admission is free
Nature lovers are invited to voluntarily donate a financial contribution
Accessibility + parking
Please note there are currently works in the area and at the Visitor Center parking lot. Check this map for the current situation on where to park and how to walk then.
Nearest bus stop: Eisden Kunstacademie (Bus 44 Hasselt - Maasmechelen from Genk Station)
Charging posts
On the Terhills site, visitors can also easily and safely charge their electric cars.
15 charging stations with 30 charging points can be found at the Nationaal Parklaan car park.
Contact
Terhills, main gateway to the Hoge Kempen National ParkZetellaan 54, 3630 Maasmechelen T: +32 89 44 04 44
What to do?
Visitor Centre
At the National Park Visitor Centre, you are in the right place for information and meetings. The team there is happy to answer all your questions and tell you what the National Park has to offer. Your four-legged friend is of course also welcome on a leash.
Pithead
The pithead of the former Eisden mine is a highlight not to be missed. Climb the stairs and from 24 metres up you will be rewarded with a unique view of the surroundings. On the ground floor, the photo exhibition gives you a glimpse of the mine site's past.
Most beautiful panorama of Flanders
After the mining activity ceased, nature was given free rein. Terhills has 4 terrils, 3 of which are accessible. From their summits you have an unforgettable view of the surrounding landscape of the Meuse valley and of the Hoge Kempen National Park. From the visitors' centre, the shortest way to the panorama of the long terril is signposted. Those with more time and strong calves can climb all three.
Walking and Cycling between the Mining Rails
Between junctions 565 and 502 (Maasmechelen), a 380-metre-long bridge leads you with graceful curves between the mining rails and across the water. This handsome cycling and walking bridge in the hilly landscape is a unique experience when you visit Terhills.
Play Pit
A mine-themed playground is good for hours of fun for small and big children. You can keep an eye on them from the terrace.
Nearby
The main gateway to the National Park is part of the Terhills tourist-recreational destination.
Terhills NV, a subsidiary of the Limburg Investment Company LRM, is tasked with transforming this site into a unique tourist destination. Already in 2011, 219 hectares of industrial land were transformed into nature (100 ha) and recreation (119 ha). The beating heart of the site is the holiday resort developed by Terhills together with Center Parcs. The Vulex pond was appropriately filled with the successful Terhills Cablepark: here you can wakeboard or water ski in a safe and fun way. The former main building of the mine was transformed into the Terhills Hotel. In the “Elaisa” wellness complex, everyone can relax. Maasmechelen Village, a shopper's delight, is within walking distance.
www.terhills.be
www.terhillscablepark.be
www.elaisawellness.com
www.maasmechelenvillage.be
Walking
Hiking offer in a nutshell!
The 4 km green route takes you to the top of the Panorama Ridge. So that means climbing! In return, you get 2 beautiful viewpoints.
The red route of 9.6 km introduces you to the long and double terril with beautiful views over the former mining landscape of Terhills. You also pass the pontoon bridge over the big pond.
The yellow route of 14.1 km is Terhills' longest walk. It introduces you to the long slag heap, the pontoon bridge over the big lake and the double slag heap. From the terrils, you have beautiful views of the National Park and its mining past.
You can buy the walking map at the National Park Visitor Centre, which is also the starting point of these walks. Would you like a word of explanation? Our team will be happy to help you on your way!
In short:
the most beautiful panorama in Flanders
ponds and mine tracks
mining history
challenging climbs
Pontoon bridge
View all our hiking routes on Komoot's map. You can also use this app to navigate hiking routes on the spot. Learn more about Komoot, and the maps worth €8.99 you receive free from us.
Cycling
The area is only accessible to walkers, cycling is not possible in the Terhills area. Of course, there are plenty of other cycling routes around the National Park and through our other areas.
That's why you can hire electric bikes at the National Park Visitor Centre. Book your electric bike online here, and we'll get the bike(s) ready for you.
Ecotron
Ecotron Hasselt University
If you visit the main entrance, you cannot look next to the Ecotron Hasselt University! The Ecotron consists of 13 high-tech ecosystem chambers in which different climate scenarios can be simulated. This research installation allows scientists to study the impact of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity. Not coincidentally, the main entrance is also home to Hasselt University's International Field Research Centre.
Want to know more about the Ecotron? Book a Ranger for a behind-the-scenes visit to the Ecotron.
For secondary schools, ‘Het Ecotron Mysterie’ is highly recommended!
Events/Film shoots
More and more often, at the National Park Visitor Centre, we are asked whether our beautiful nature reserve can be part of film shoots, photo shoots or other events. In this, we always try to strike a healthy balance between nature conservation and recreation. Naturally, we will make every effort to support your event/recording. More info, arrangements and rates on this page.
Horeca
Feeling thirsty? No problem, the visitor centre offers a wide range of organic or regional drinks such as lemonades, juices, regional beers, etc. You can also go there for a delicious, refreshing ice cream after a brisk walk.
Picnicking is certainly allowed, both on the terrace and on the hiking grounds. In the walking area you will find several picnic benches that are perfect for a tasty chat. Note! If you wish to picnic on the terrace near the reception desk, we ask you to purchase drinks and not to consume drinks you have brought with you.
