Best Western Hotel Atlantis

Genk, beautiful and multi-cultural city

by X-mas

"Genk, from village to industrial city"

In the beginning of the 20th century Genk was just a small village like many others. In the beginning of the 20th century a Mr. André Dumont find coal and the population of Genk rise. People from many different countries all over Europe (Italy, Poland, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Morocco, ...) came to Genk to work in the coalmines. Genk had 3 coalmines (Zwartberg, Winterslag and Waterschei). They are all closed now. Genk is still one of the most important industrial cities in the province Limburg in Belgium. There are some big multinationals like FORD Genk, Nitto and Arcelor Mittal. Genk is located central in the 'Euregio' and is an important gate for logistic.

"Genk, groene stad"

Genk is known as Genk, groene stad. There are a lot of possibilities to walk and hike. You can visit naturepark De Maten where you can walk for hours and watch the birdlife and water animals in their habitat.
You can have an intensive walk on the 'terrils' (coalmountains) in Waterschei or Winterslag, about 5 minutes by car from center. When you reached the top, you have a very beautiful view of the city, the woods in the city and the neighbourhood.
Also very well-known in Genk is Domein Bokrijk. You can visit many old houses from 19 - 20th century.
Also very well-known is the Molenvijverpark in the center of town, about 5 minutes walk from the townhall.
The center of town is renovated since 2008 and is very beautiful now and invites visitors for shopping. There are few shopping malls with many well-known shops.

This is NOT Gent!

by Lochlainn

It should go without saying, but if as many people told the people of New York that they really hail from Newark, just because both places sound very similar, I am sure that New Yorkers would waste no time in "rectifying" the outsiders' view quite rapidly! Unfortunately for the people of this charming community however, their obvious good manners and decorum prevents them from flattening each person who rather superioristically corrects them when they say they are from Genk with "Surely you mean Gent?" type comments.

Genk itself is a rather charming (if a very new in appearance) town. A landscape devastated by mining and by World War Two bombs has been restored and improved in recent years so that now Genk presents a rather homely and welcoming facade to its guests. The pedestrian area with its small bars and shops is quite a pleasure to wander around and it is well provided for in the area of hotel and guesthouse accommodation.

While not a town that might jump off the tourist map, its fine football (and concert) stadium, the Fenix, and its proximity to the Albert Canal mean that Genk is a place that many visitors to Belgium may well find themselves stopping in, rather than passing through in increasing numbers - if only to have a wander around the peaceful - and rather odd - Sundial Park, or to base themselves there when exploring the Flemish countryside around.