There is a lot to discover in the National Park: more than 12 000 ha of top nature, extensive high-quality routes for hikers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse riders. Nine gateways are currently the ideal start of your visit to the National Park.
Terhills (before Connecterra, Maasmechelen) is the main gateway. The other gates take you into a more specific story of stars and planets (Kattevennen, Genk), the coal train (Station As, As), bees and insects (Lieteberg, Zutendaal), the rich past (Pietersheim, Lanaken) or the purple heath (Mechelse Heide, Maasmechelen). Three new gateways will be developed in the future: Duinengordel (Commanderij Gruitrode, Oudsbergen), Bergerven ('t Eilandje, Maaseik) and Thorpark (Thor Park, Genk).
Accessibility
The Hoge Kempen National Park can be easily reached by car from the E314 via exit 32 (National Park-West) or 33 (National Park-East). From these exits, the entrance gates are nearby.
If you prefer to come by train, then visit www.nmbs.be for the timetable to Genk station. From there, you can plan your visit with the buses of De Lijn www.delijn.be.
