Treinstapper from Grote Routepaden: from Beverlo to Zolder
If you would like to experience how the mining history in Limburg has transformed the landscape, then this Station-to-station walk of just under 25 km is certainly something for you. You will walk from be-MINE, the mine site in Beringen, to the mine site in Heusden-Zolder. You will start and finish with a magnificent view from a 'terril', an artificial mound recalling the mining heritage. Along the way, you will cross the Valley of the 'Zwarte Beek', whose 1300-hectare domain makes it one of the largest continuous nature areas in Flanders. Further along, the area around the pilgrimage site 'Koersels Kapelleke' is much more forested. Below the pithead of the old mine in Zolder, you can quench your thirst at Muzecafé before completing the last kilometre to the station.
Below, you will find a few highlights which you will come across on your walk along the GR trail from Beverlo to Zolder. This is just one of the Station-to-station walks that we selected from a larger assortment.
Walk from Beverlo station to Zolder station along GR trails
Start
be-MINE
Beverlo station is close to the mine site in Beringen, known as be-MINE, where you will join up with the Regional GR trail. Please note, the route goes directly from Beverlo station to the second slag heap, so you should start with a small diversion for the mine site. It is the best-preserved and largest industrial heritage site in Flanders. In the Mine Museum, you learn all about life in and around the mine. If you enjoy sports, you can swim, dive, climb, cycle and mountain bike on the site. Those looking for fun are sure to find it on Adventure Mountain, while shoppers can head to be-MINE Boulevard. In short, this place has something for everyone! Are you keen for the full experience, then add a day to your trip. Make a note in your diary already: starting in 2026, you can come to the heart of the coal washing plant and walk through a natural landscape right up to the highest point on the site. There, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view. The be-NATURE project incorporates nature in this historic mine site be-MINE and blends it with the power of industrial heritage.
Practical details: Visit Beringen – Information point be-MINE, Koolmijnlaan 203, 3582 Beringen
Beringen slag heaps
The route immediately takes you to the top of the second slag heap. Once a waste mountain of accumulated stones, this is now a hill with alternating woodland and open spaces. Here, you enjoy a magnificent view over the be-MINE site, the cathedral and the garden district, but you can also see the slag heaps of other mine sites. In the distance, you can also spot today's destination: Zolder slag heap and mine site!
Practical details: Visit Beringen – Information point be-MINE, Koolmijnlaan 203, 3582 Beringen
Valley of the 'Zwarte Beek'
You traverse one of the largest continuous nature areas in Flanders, that stretches from Hechtel-Eksel to Diest: the Valley of the 'Zwarte Beek'. Here, there is great variation in the landscape: from a boggy, peaty stream valley to arid wind-swept sand dunes on the heath more to the east. It is a popular resting place for all kinds of birds. De Watersnip is the visitor centre for the Valley of the 'Zwarte Beek'. You will come here on your route, after passing 'Koersels Kapelleke'.
Practical details: Visitor Centre De Watersnip, Grauwe Steenstraat 7/bus 2, 3582 Beringen
Blueberry Fields
Close to the route, you will find Blueberry Fields, a perfect place for a rest. On this 22-hectare domain, you will discover grassy meadows, secret ponds, lonely woodland with sphagnum moss and a patchwork of blueberry plantations in between. You can walk across the domain, buy regional produce in the shop, enjoy a drink on the terrace or opt for an amazing 'Karrenmaaltijd' (meal on wheels).
Practical details: Blueberry Fields, Schomstraat 147, 3582 Beringen
Koersels Kapelleke
Many people know this place as a pilgrimage site thanks to the chapel of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-aan-de-Staak. As well as this, you will also find the recreation domain ’t Fonteintje, with a free playground, refreshing water play area and a lookout tower across the typical Kempen countryside. Need a drink or a small bite to eat? Then Bar Nivo is the place to be.
Practical details:
Recreation Domain ’t Fonteintje, Fonteintjesstraat z/n, 3582 Beringen
Bar Nivo, Fonteintjesstraat 30, 3582 Beringen
Visitor Centre De Watersnip
This Natuurpunt Visitor Centre is a great base for exploring the Valley of the 'Zwarte Beek' and therefore also a perfect stop during this Station-to-station walk. In De Watersnip, you will learn more about the nature area, you can have a rest in the cafeteria and enjoy a magnificent view of the water. The Sensory path (Prikkelpad) provides a unique nature experience, also for people with a disability, and the floating boardwalk is worthwhile as well.
Practical details: Visitor Centre De Watersnip, Grauwe Steenstraat 7/bus 2, 3582 Beringen
Zolder slag heap
Zolder 'terril' has also been transformed from a mountain of waste slate and slag into a precious nature area and habitat, with a warmer microclimate on the southern slope. Therefore, you can find all kinds of rare flora and fauna here, including nightjars and woodlarks. Sheep graze the land, preventing both soil erosion and tree development. Still have some energy left? You can climb this slag heap too! Then you'll add some extra kilometres to this Station-to-station trail. Simply follow the trail (2.5 km) starting at the southern foot. The top is 155 metres high. Again, you'll be rewarded with a phenomenal view. After the slag heap, you will pass the edge of the Lindeman district, where there are various places to eat.
Practical details: Zolder Terril, Halstraat z/n, 3550 Heusden-Zolder.
Zolder Mine Site
Last stop on this trail: the mine site at Zolder, also known as The Stack Mining Site. Many buildings here have been restored and re-purposed. The free ZLDR Air Factory heritage walk in the hoisting machine building tells you all about the technical side of the mining heritage. Every second and fourth Wednesday in the month, Marktplein (the Market Square) comes to life during the multicultural market, highly recommended! Quench your thirst at Muzecafé or fill your tummy at Restaurant Lavandi. Then, it is less than a kilometre's walk to Zolder station.
Practical details: Stack Mining Site, Marktplein z/n, 3550 Heusden-Zolder
Finish
More information about these highlights
Want to know more? The websites of our tourism partners will give you additional practical information. Would you prefer to read those pages in your own language? Use the translation option in your browser or use a free online translation tool. Happy reading and see you soon in Flanders!
