Name: Old Mill
Rating: 2

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Belgium

Flanders

Flemish Brabant

Leuven

Begijnendijk

Old Mill

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Places to see

Belgium

Flanders

Flemish Brabant

Leuven

Begijnendijk

Old Mill

Recommended by 44 hikers

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Location: Begijnendijk, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

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Best Hikes to Old Mill

4.8

(9)

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1. Old Mill – Marcinelle mining disaster loop from Betekom

9.69km

02:29

40m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

3.0

(2)

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2. Rivers Bridge Over the Demer – De Balenberg loop from Baal

11.1km

02:51

50m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

5.0

(4)

hikers

3. Marcinelle mining disaster – Old Mill loop from Betekom

21.4km

05:28

70m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

November 15, 2024

The old mill of Betekom is a monument with a special appearance. Not only is it one of the oldest mills in the Benelux, but also the only windmill in the world in Diestian iron sandstone. The mill was built in the course of the sixteenth century and served as a grain mill until the beginning of the twentieth century. At the outbreak of the First World War, it was set on fire and has survived as a ruin ever since. In 1993, the mill was protected as a monument and village view.

After a process of deterioration of more than 100 years, the consolidation of the mill body could start in the autumn of 2021, thanks to the efforts of the Molenwerkgroep and Natuurpunt Begijnendijk. In the spring of 2022, a staircase, viewing platform and roof were added to the mill, giving visitors a beautiful view of the inside of the mill and allowing them to enjoy the view from the 10-metre-high mill body.

The wooden staircase in French oak is a work of art in itself. It is a double helix with 45 steps that allows people going up not to be hindered by those coming down. The impressive staircase refers to the historic interior of the mill, which together with the mill cap was attached to a central axis that could be turned in the direction of the wind.

Source: begijnendijk.be/molen-molenberg

Translated by Google •

Jeff S

August 16, 2021

Ruin of mill in Betekom...

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 80 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 16 September

19°C

12°C

0 %

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Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Begijnendijk, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

Old Mill

1. Old Mill – Marcinelle mining disaster loop from Betekom

2. Rivers Bridge Over the Demer – De Balenberg loop from Baal

3. Marcinelle mining disaster – Old Mill loop from Betekom

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