Beringen Boosts Tourism with 60,000 Overnight Stays and New Mining Attractions

Beringen (Eurotoday) –
With more than 60,000 overnight stays annually, Beringen aims to attract an increasing number of business travelers through new conference facilities and unique mining-themed retreats. Alderman Ornella Schreurs underscores initiatives such as a new B&B opening on May 1, the upcoming Mineset museum, the be-NATURE revitalization project, and the Kolenspoor cycling path.

Located in Limburg province, Beringen is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot. Currently welcoming over 60,000 overnight stays a year, the city is setting its sights on expanding this number by drawing in both leisure and business travelers for extended visits.

Alderman Ornella Schreurs explains that while Beringen already welcomes many tourists, they often don’t stay long. To address this, the city is enhancing its infrastructure by developing conference venues, business meeting spaces, and corporate event opportunities to better cater to professional visitors.

At the same time, Beringen is embracing its industrial heritage by offering company retreats that showcase the city’s rich mining history — a strategy increasingly used in other European regions to encourage longer stays.

How is Beringen expanding tourism with history and nature?

To ensure visitors have quality options for extended stays, officials are repurposing a historic mineworkers’ residence into a boutique-style bed and breakfast. Set to open on May 1, 2025, the B&B will feature seven rooms accommodating up to 20 guests.

Recognizing the growing demand, the city also plans to expand its hotel offerings. By improving accommodations and developing partnerships within the Limburg region, Beringen is positioning itself as a dynamic destination for both tourists and business travelers.

A new mobile app is in development to educate visitors about Beringen’s mining past. It will complement existing applications that guide users on walking tours through the historic mining community. Additionally, a new walking path is being constructed in the director’s park, featuring areas where visitors can forage wild plants. Starting in June 2025, the iconic twin pit head frames will be illuminated year-round to highlight the city’s industrial landmarks.

Major projects are also underway to transform former coal washery buildings. The “be-NATURE” initiative focuses on integrating green spaces and natural elements into old mining infrastructure, creating a unique fusion of history and nature by incorporating vegetation into the industrial structures.

As part of this transformation, a new museum called Mineset will offer interactive exhibits exploring Limburg’s coal mining legacy. Located within authentic mining buildings, the museum aims to bring the area’s industrial past to life. The Kolenspoor bike path, built beneath the coal washery, has also been completed and is expected to open to the public soon.