Belgium Mine terril Waterschei

The Waterschei mine terril in Genk, Belgium, is a significant remnant of the region's coal mining history.

The Waterschei coal mine was one of the seven mines in the Kempen coal basin, and it began operations in 1924.
It was active until 1987, during which time it extracted over 72 million tonnes of coal from depths ranging between 560 and 1208 meters.
The mine played a central role in the industrial development of Limburg and contributed to the growth of Genk as a mining town.

The terril is a large spoil heap made from waste rock removed during coal mining. It stands about 102 meters above the surrounding landscape.
In 1999, the terril was designated as a protected landscape, recognizing its ecological and historical value.

Today, it is part of Thor Park, a 93-hectare site that blends industrial heritage with innovation and nature. The park includes walking trails, rare flora and fauna, and views of the old mine buildings and the nearby KRC Genk football stadium.

Shoot during sunrise or sunset for warm, dramatic light and long shadows that emphasize the terril’s texture.
Just before sunrise or after sunset, the soft blue tones can add a moody, atmospheric feel.

Gear & Settings
Wide-Angle Lens: Great for capturing the full scale of the terril and surrounding landscape.
Telephoto Lens: Useful for isolating details like textures, wildlife, or architectural elements.
Tripod: Essential for low-light shots or long exposures, especially during golden/blue hour.
Drone for wonderful aerial photography.

Destination: Set your GPS to Thor Park, Genk or use coordinates 51.012111, 5.542171.

Parking: There are several free parking areas around Thor Park, including:
- Public Parking 1: Near the entrance of Thor Park.
Thor Central Parking: Offers around 700 free spaces.
- Additional parking is available within a 1.5 km radius, totaling over 3000 spaces.