‘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?
Cosmodrome
Are you ready for an exciting voyage of discovery along stars, planets and other mysterious phenomena? The Cosmodrome (formerly Europlanetarium) guarantees you a fascinating and exciting trip.... under the guidance of Astro-rangers, you will attend a swirling Cosmodrome show and visit the 3-metre long telescope in our observatory
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. Start four of these 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.
Bike rental
Book (from Easter to November) via the mini-golf kiosk: +32(0)89 65 55 70 or the ‘Kattevennen’ visitors’ lounge +32(0)89 65 55 55
Entrance gate ‘Kattevennen’ is situated 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
- Under 16: € 6.5 p.p.
- Adults: € 8 p.p.
- Families: € 22.50
- Groups (min. 25 people): € 6.5 p.p.
- Schools: € 3.5 p.p.
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.
