The best walks and hikes around Genk

Ornithology or bird science is a specialization of zoology that deals with the study of birds. It includes the classification of species and observation of behavior, migration, song, and flight patterns. Birds are ringed, among other things, to learn more about their migratory behavior and age. An ornithologist is a practitioner of ornithology. A hobby ornithologist is a birdwatcher.

A must-see tourist site.

Homeleswijer is one of the characteristic ponds (wijers/ponds) you'll encounter during walks through the De Maten nature reserve in the Belgian province of Limburg. It lies within the watery landscape of the reserve, which is part of the larger De Wijers pond area, a network of natural and man-made ponds that originated from centuries-old fish farming traditions in the region. In De Maten, the Stiemerbeek stream and its tributaries formed the basis for pond complexes containing water features like the Homeleswijer. Dams and overflows made fish farming possible, creating a unique marsh and pond landscape full of reed beds, open water, and wet grasslands. Walking trails through De Maten—ranging from short loops to longer hikes—run along and around these ponds. They are true natural treasures: herons, waterfowl, and typical marsh plants can be found here, and information boards often line the path explaining the ecology and water management. Many walks along the Homeleswijer are signposted and start, for example, at the Slagmolen in Genk or at other access points in De Maten.

The Bokrijk Open-Air Museum is a large and charming museum park in Genk (province of Limburg, Belgium) that offers a unique glimpse into rural life, crafts, and culture of the past. The museum is part of the broader Provincial Domain Bokrijk, a park of approximately 550 hectares where natural heritage and recreation converge. The open-air museum opened its doors to the public in 1958 when the province of Limburg initiated the project in response to the rapidly changing housing and landscape after World War II. The goal was to preserve historic buildings, traditional crafts, and agricultural elements before they were lost to modernization and urban expansion. In Bokrijk, you'll find more than 140 authentic historic buildings, including farms, mills, workers' houses, barns, and even an old church. Many of these buildings have been dismantled from their original locations and rebuilt brick by brick in the museum park to preserve them for future generations. The museum is divided into several themed areas, each showcasing a different aspect of rural life. Kempen – with a focus on crafts such as bread and textile production, and workshops where artisans demonstrate their techniques. Haspengouw – where costumes and living history actors bring life around 1900 to life, and you can see historic farms and animals. East and West Flanders – tranquil cultural landscapes with craft demonstrations by, for example, a herbalist, tanner, and miller. The Sixties – a unique exhibition that visualizes daily life in the 1960s with realistic settings such as a café, gas station, and living rooms. At Bokrijk, it's not just about buildings but also about experience and participation. Visitors can view historical crafts up close or actively participate in workshops such as bread baking or pottery making. There are also educational trails with various signposted walks through the museum itself. Besides the open-air museum itself, the grounds offer much more. De Wijers – a large pond area that you can explore, among other things, via the Cycling Through Water attraction, where you literally cycle through the water. Bokrijk Arboretum — a remarkable botanical garden with a collection of trees and shrubs that can be admired year-round. Open-air playground — the largest free playground in Flanders, popular with families with children. The park itself is accessible year-round, but the open-air museum has a seasonal opening: it is open from April 5th to November 2nd between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, except Mondays outside school holidays. The Bokrijk Open-Air Museum offers a comprehensive journey through time through Flemish rural life, from centuries-old farms and craft traditions to daily life in the 1960s, in a way that is educational, interactive, and appealing to all ages.

Bokrijklaan has been the main entrance to the Bokrijk estate for centuries. This avenue connects the surrounding landscape with the castle and the estate and was deliberately designed as a straight line and connecting axis typical of historic estates. Those who walk or cycle here are essentially following in the footsteps of generations of visitors, residents, and workers who entered the estate via this route. The avenue is characterized by rows of trees on both sides, which not only give structure to the landscape but also provide shelter and rhythm. Throughout the seasons, the character of Bokrijklaan changes: fresh green in spring, cool and shady in summer, warm colors in autumn, and understated yet powerful in winter.

This boardwalk leads you straight through a wet and fragile nature reserve where reeds and marsh plants define the landscape. The wooden path was deliberately built slightly above ground so that visitors can traverse the area without disturbing the soil or the natural environment. This keeps plants, animals, and water structures intact, while still allowing you to experience firsthand how this landscape lives and changes with the seasons. Boardwalks are primarily used in ponds and marshland areas, such as here in Bokrijk and De Wijers, where the soil is often marshy and vulnerable to treading. Thanks to the wood, you literally stay above the water, with views of reed beds, open ponds, and riparian zones. With a bit of luck, you'll see dragonflies, frogs, or waterfowl that use this area as a resting and breeding ground. This path invites you to slow down and take a closer look. Every crunching sound of the wood under your feet reminds you that you are a guest in nature. The boardwalk connects experience and protection: it makes the landscape accessible while simultaneously preserving the silence and fragility of this unique wetland area.

What makes the arboretum extra special is that you experience something truly different in every season: • Spring: thousands of flowering bulbs such as daffodils and bluebells color the paths, alongside blooming camellias and Judas trees. • Summer: perennials, ferns, and bamboo are at their greenest and most lush. • Autumn: warm hues and vast carpets of cyclamen make it a picturesque season. • Winter: the structure of the trees and the bark itself become interesting with winter-flowering species such as witch hazel. Together with the walking paths, ponds, and other natural features of Bokrijk, the arboretum forms an oasis of tranquility where you can enjoy walking, taking photos, or simply enjoying the green surroundings.

What makes the arboretum extra special is that you experience something truly different in every season: • Spring: thousands of flowering bulbs such as daffodils and bluebells color the paths, alongside blooming camellias and Judas trees. • Summer: perennials, ferns, and bamboo are at their greenest and most lush. • Autumn: warm hues and vast carpets of cyclamen make it a picturesque season. • Winter: the structure of the trees and the bark itself become interesting with winter-flowering species such as witch hazel. Together with the walking paths, ponds, and other natural features of Bokrijk, the arboretum forms an oasis of tranquility where you can enjoy walking, taking photos, or simply enjoying the green surroundings. Practical information: the arboretum is open every day from sunrise to sunset and admission is free year-round.