Interview: be-MINE, Limburg’s most charming spot

Ayfer Gemici and Karoline Lenaers have been living near be-MINE for more than ten years. From their front-row seats, they’ve watched as this abandoned industrial heritage site has transformed into the most charming spot, as they so beautifully describe it. This is the story of be-MINE, as seen through the eyes of local residents Ayfer and Karoline.

Love brought both Ayfer and Karoline to Beringen more than ten years ago. “I still vividly remember the moment my partner Kris first invited me to his home on Kioskplein in Beringen. It’s such a charming square, with all those stately houses and the mining shaft towering proudly above them. I fell in love with this place instantly,” Karoline recalls. Karoline and Kris have now been living on Kioskplein for nearly fifteen years, together with their children Fran (8) and Leon (10).

Ayfer also followed her husband to Beringen thirteen years ago. Together they have a son, Ahmet (10 years old). Ayfer and Karoline got to know each other through their children. “Leon and Ahmet went to the same daycare. We started talking there, and ten years later, both our children and we are still good friends,” Ayfer says with a smile.

“Unintentionally, be-MINE has contributed to this, because in my view, be-MINE is a place that fosters encounters and spontaneous chats. It all starts with the wide range of activities offered on the site. Ahmet, for example, goes to ‘Straf!’ here—the preschool and elementary school located in the mine’s former bathhouses. Is there a school party planned? Then the children put on a dress rehearsal for the residents of the assisted living facility, which is also located here at be-MINE. Even when the children celebrate Carnival, the residents of the assisted living facility join in the festivities. It’s a particularly wonderful exchange that constantly brings a lot of activity, excitement, and interactions to the site.”

Wildly enthusiastic

“Another factor that certainly contributes to be-MINE’s success is the range of before- and after-school activities,” adds Karoline. “For example, Leon and Fran learnt to swim at the Sportoase pool; at the weekend, Leon goes mountain biking at the skills park on Adventure Mountain, whilst Fran loves skating on the Corten steel path… There are so many fun things to do here all year round, and everything is within walking distance of each other.”

“That’s absolutely true,” Ayfer nods in agreement. “Various organizers of children’s camps are cleverly capitalizing on what the site has to offer and creating fun combinations out of it. And be-MINE also offers plenty of options for birthday parties. For example, we once threw a party for Ahmet at the Alpamayo climbing center; all the kids were absolutely thrilled. And the adventure mountain is always a hit, no matter what. If we have a little time in the evening or on the weekend, we walk over there. The kids can really let loose climbing and scrambling; and Ahmet, for example, also likes using that hill to train for soccer.”

From a mosque to a cathedral

“We stick to hiking ourselves. There are four hiking trails that start here; our available time usually determines which one we choose,” says Karoline. “Along the way, you get fantastic views and several nice picnic spots. And no matter how many times we’ve done these hikes, we never get tired of them. I’m especially impressed by the majestic feeling you get on the Corten steel walking path: surrounded by historic landmarks, with a unique view of the towers of the Mine Cathedral and the mosque. And nature plays a key role in all of this, because year after year, be-MINE is becoming greener and greener.”

Ayfer: “That’s what I think is so great about be-MINE. It has grown into a small town in its own right, with all the necessary amenities. In addition to schools, daycare, and sports facilities, you can also do your grocery shopping, go shopping, and enjoy a good meal there. At the same time, be-MINE exudes a sense of tranquility, and so much green space has been added in recent years. You can feel in everything that nature and biodiversity are just as important as all the other amenities at be-MINE. As local residents, we really appreciate that.”

“The combination of industrial heritage and nature also makes be-MINE a photogenic location for First Communion or wedding photo shoots! Scattered throughout the site, you’ll still find old mine cars—perfect for instant Instagram-worthy photos. And in the evening, the site is beautifully lit,” Karoline adds. “From our house, we look out onto the two illuminated mine shafts. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful way to daydream.”

Vertical Green Park

“When you stop to think about all of that, the transformation really is impressive,” Ayfer confirms. “When we first moved here, be-MINE was still an old, gray, abandoned site. Over the past decade, LRM has literally moved mountains here; and there’s still so much in the works. Personally, I’m really curious about the green park that’s going to be built on the site of the coal washing plants. In any case, with all the plans still on the table, we’ll undoubtedly find be-MINE among Limburg’s top three most beautiful places in a few years. A place in our own backyard to cherish forever.”