Kiewit is a village located just northeast of Hasselt, the capital of the Belgian province of Limburg. Originally an area of open heathland, Kiewit has evolved into a significant part of the Hasselt community, known for its natural beauty, recreational spaces, and as the host of the renowned Pukkelpop festival.
The heart of Kiewit is the Domein Kiewit Nature Reserve, a sprawling 130-hectare public park. This tranquil green space offers a diverse mix of grasslands, fens, and ponds, providing a peaceful escape from city life. It’s a popular destination for families, featuring a children’s farm with various animals and well-maintained paths for walking and cycling. The reserve also serves as a starting point for several marked trails that connect to the wider region.
However, Kiewit is perhaps most famous for being the permanent home of Pukkelpop, one of Europe’s largest alternative music festivals. The festival uses the area’s open fields to create a massive, temporary “city” for music lovers, complete with multiple stages, food vendors, and camping facilities. The presence of Pukkelpop has made the name Kiewit synonymous with music and culture throughout Belgium and beyond. The area is also well-connected, with the Kiewit train station providing easy access for both residents and the tens of thousands of festival-goers who visit each year.
