As railway station (As)
If you prefer cycling to hiking, then As railway station is the ideal starting point for a bike ride in and around the National Park! The mining past is never far away here either: the 31m tall watch tower is a replica of the drilling rig in As by means of which André Dumont discovered the first coal in Limburg in 1901.
What is there to do?

For many years, Station As played a central role in coal mining in this region, as many miners and coal wagons left from here to the nearby mines in Eisden, Waterschei and Winterslag.
Lookout tower
A little further on the site you will find a 31-metre high lookout tower, a replica of the derrick with which André Dumont discovered the first coal in Limburg. This gives you a wide view over the station site and the surrounding National Park.
Experience train
In the experience train next to the tourist reception you will discover in a fun and playful way via various digital tools the mining and war history, the beautiful nature in and around As and so much more.
Forest golf
Test your (forest) golf skills with a nice relaxing game of forest golf in the woody surroundings of Station As. Think miniature golf, but in a forest with natural obstacles. Pick up your sticks and scoreboard at the tourist information desk.
Discgolf
Do you already know disc golf? At a disc golf course, young and old try to throw a disc or frisbee into nine different buckets (baskets) with as few throws as possible. Trees and other landscape elements provide the necessary obstacles and challenges in the shadow of the famous Asser watchtower. An ideal activity or Sunday outing, alone or in a group.
Real life game (10+)
Machinist is Europe's first ever Real Life video game for children in which you play the lead role. Step into the shoes of infiltrating detectives. Together with a professional actor, you get the chance to break into a mysterious shed full of real trains and locomotives.
Real life game (16+)
A new “Red Eye” experience of Entered in a high-profile, new location: a classic, worn-out and abandoned train shed at A Station! Not an intimate and personal story, but a glimpse of a macabre world to explore and steeped in the theme of trains. And possibly the title of this project hints at more than meets the eye.

In an authentic miniature train, enjoy a tour through the green Driebanken forest. You track along the 1,300-metre-long narrow gauge track past the large watchtower that offers a far-reaching view of the Hoge Kempen National Park. Can you spot all the animals in the Driebankenbos? Then maybe you will earn your ‘animal spotter's licence’.
Will you join us? Our train guides will be happy to welcome you!
For timetable: www.stationas.be [1]
Bike rental
Station As is the ideal starting point for a bike ride through the National Park and is located at junction 41.
Bikes can be rented from April to September, during the opening hours of the visitors' centre. Info and reservations via www.fietsparadijslimburg.be [2], bicycles must always be reserved online. However, it is possible to return your bike after closing time, until 9pm.
Horeca
- 't Stasjon, T: 089 23 52 45, www.stasjon.be [3] - Monday from 10am to 5pm (kitchen closed) Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 10.30pm and Tuesday closed- 40 charging points available!
- Hotel-Restaurant Mardaga, T: +32 89 65 62 65, www.hotelmardaga.be [4] - 3 charging points present
Range of hikes
Hikers are also amply catered for at As railway station. The hiking area has ten hiking loops, three of which start at the entrance gate. The other loops are accessible from pick-up places nearby.
In a nutshell:
- pine forests
- geological wall
- march
- brook valley
- steep slopes
Would you rather go exploring with a Ranger? Click here. [5]
Practical Information
Visitor reception opening hours:
Every day from 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm. Closed on public holidays.
Accessibility
Nearest bus stop: As Weg naar Lanklaar (x27)
Nearest parking:
- Parking Station As (Stationsstraat 124, 3665 As)
- Parking leisure campus As (Schuttenbergstraat 2, 3665 As)
Contact:
Stationsstraat 124, 3665 As
T: +32 89 39 10 86 - E:
www.stationas.be [8]