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Old Mill

Old Mill

Highlight • Monument

Old Mill

Name: Old Mill
Rating: 2

Recommended by 50 hikers

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

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Best Hikes to Old Mill

4.8

(9)

hikers

1. Marcinelle mining disaster – Old Mill loop from Begijnendijk

9.29km

02:23

40m

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

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Moderate

4.1

(9)

hikers

2. Dog Meadows, Meetshoven Forest – Old Mill loop from Betekom

18.3km

04:40

60m

70m

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

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Moderate

4.7

(12)

hikers

3. Old Mill – Marcinelle mining disaster loop from Betekom

9.69km

02:29

40m

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

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Moderate

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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Details

Informations

Elevation 80 m

Weather

Saturday 20 December

13°C

4°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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See hikes here

Take Me There

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

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Old Mill

1. Marcinelle mining disaster – Old Mill loop from Begijnendijk

2. Dog Meadows, Meetshoven Forest – Old Mill loop from Betekom

3. Old Mill – Marcinelle mining disaster loop from Betekom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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