‘Kattevennen’ is the gateway of the MACROKOSMOS with the Cosmodrome as the most striking landmark. Besides stargazing, you can also indulge in hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horse-riding, playing mini-golf and letting off steam in the playground.
What is there to do?
Kattevennen, your ticket to a journey into space!
Kattevennen-Cosmodrome draws the card of 'cosmic adventure'. Cosmodrome, the showpiece of Kattevennen, does everything to make science and astronomy accessible to everyone.
1 ticket = 3 experiences
You get 3 experiences for your ticket to a space journey. In 'The Big Bang', the new permanent exhibition, you go back in time 13.8 billion years to the very beginning of the cosmos. Back then, the concept of time did not even exist. Step by step, you take a journey through evolution, from the Big Bang to the present day. Along the way, a special film experience awaits. The 360° show introduces you to the extraordinary development of our planet. After each show, the Cosmodrome's astronomer takes you on a space adventure through the evening's starry sky.
A visit to the renovated observatory concludes the experience tour. On the 360° automatic rotating platform you can observe the sun in clear weather.
Tip: Every Saturday evening at 8 p.m. (from October to March) you can come and see the starry sky. This activity only takes place when the weather is clear. (€ 3 per person)
Minigolf
Young and old can relax by playing golf on the mini-golf course (18 holes).
Playground the 'Speelplaneet' [Play Planet]
At the visitor's lounge, you can enjoy a drink while the children let off steam in the fun playground.
Horse-riding
‘Kattevennen’ is the ideal starting point for riders and drivers of horse-drawn carriages, with adapted parking and a riding stable with a riding club. From here, you can do a day trip via the equestrian route network. There are pony rides for the children at the Kattevenia café every Sunday in July and August and the first two Sundays of September.
‘Heempark’ within walking distance
Stroll through the various gardens in the ‘Heempark’. The playground and farmyard animals never fail to delight the children.T: +32 (0)89 65 46 15, "> , www.heempark.be
Hotel and catering
- Taverne De Krater, www.dekrater.be
- Manege - eetcafé Kattevenia, www.ruiterclubgenk.be
Range of hikes
Range of hikes
The hiking area 'Kattevennen' has 6 hiking loops. Four of these start from the entrance gate. The other loops are accessible from pick-up places nearby.
In a nutshell:
- pine forests
- hollow road
- stream valleys
Stone Path
On the Stone Path, there are about 30 stones that give you an impression of more than 500 million years of earth history. You will find the Stone Path right at the visitors' lounge where you can pick up a free brochure.
Planet Path
Follow the 1.4 km long Planet Path where you get to know the eight planets of our solar system represented 4 billion times smaller than in reality.
Stokkenmanroute
This 4.2 km route takes you into the story of the mysterious Stokkenmannen (Stickmen) in the woods. With an app, game book or story booklet, you get all the information about these special creatures. The route starts and ends at the visitors' centre where the app and booklets are also available for 5 euros. More information: Stokkenmanroute.
Bike rental
Rentals are possible from Easter to September, during the opening hours of the visitors' centre. Information and reservations via www.fietsparadijslimburg.be, bicycles must always be reserved online.
Kattevennen access point is located at junction 30.
Practical Information
Opening hours visitors’ lounge
- Open all year from Monday to Friday: from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1.00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- From 1/04 to 31/10: also open on Saturdays from 1.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Cosmodrome
Always consult the website to see what films are on and get the film times
Ticket prices
- Adult: €9
- Child (5-12yrs): €7,5
- Family ticket (2 adults + max 3 children): €25
Contact
Entrance gate ‘Kattevennen’
Planetariumweg 19, 3600 Genk
T: +32(0)89 65 55 55, ‘Kattevennen’@genk.be
Public transport
Entrance gate ‘Kattevennen’ is the only gate of the National Park that is easily accessible by public transport. Take the train to Genk railway station. From there, you can walk through the picturesque ‘Molenvijverpark’ and the ‘Heempark’ to 'Kattevennen'. You can also take the bus or bike.
