Highlight • Monument
Roomanmolen
Cycling
4.8
(38)
Road cycling
5.0
(1)
The Roomanmolen is a historic stone tower mill located in Sint-Pauwels, a charming sub-municipality of Sint-Gillis-Waas in the province of Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Standing at an impressive 24 meters, it holds the distinction of being the highest stone windmill in Flanders and is a prominent landmark within the picturesque Waasland region. Situated at an elevation of approximately 14 meters above sea level, this beautifully preserved monument offers a glimpse into the rich agricultural history of the area.
Visitors consistently praise the Roomanmolen as a beautiful monument nestled in a green environment, close to the Dries and the church of Sint-Pauwels. What truly captivates people is the experience of seeing the mill's wings turning on pleasant days, bringing the historic machinery to life. The passionate millers are always eager to provide explanations and demonstrations, making each visit an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
Before planning your visit, it's helpful to know that the Roomanmolen is situated at the corner of Pastorijwegel and Beekstraat in Sint-Pauwels. The site is partially accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring a welcoming experience for many. For those arriving by car, Roomanmolen parking in Sint-Pauwels is generally available nearby. Public transport to Roomanmolen Sint-Pauwels also offers convenient access, allowing visitors to enjoy the surrounding area without concern for parking facilities.
The best time to visit the Roomanmolen is typically from April 1 to October 31, when it opens its doors every first and last Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, the mill welcomes visitors on special occasions like Mill Days and Heritage Days. Beyond guided tours and milling demonstrations, the attractive area around the mill is ideal for walking and cycling, with many family-friendly walks near Roomanmolen offering scenic routes through the Waasland countryside.
The Roomanmolen, built in 1847, was originally known as 'de Gelaagmolen' due to the bricks baked on-site. Its impressive height of 24 meters and six internal attics make it a truly remarkable structure. After a significant restoration between 2019 and 2020, the mill's red bricks were whitewashed, enhancing its striking appearance. Visitors can also observe the auxiliary building with its chimney, which once housed a steam engine for grinding during windless periods, adding another layer to the mill's fascinating history.
For those looking to explore the area further, a variety of walking routes around Roomanmolen cater to different preferences, from leisurely strolls to more extensive Roomanmolen walking routes. Whether you're interested in the history of milling, enjoying the peaceful Belgian countryside, or finding family-friendly options, komoot offers numerous trails to help you plan your adventure. Discover the best walking trails around Roomanmolen and make the most of your visit to this unique monument.
Tips
May 8, 2025
Cycling
On nice days and once the wings start turning, it doesn't take long before visitors come to get acquainted with the working machine. The millers are of course happy to provide a word of explanation with an accompanying demonstration.
Triggered or perhaps upset and do you want to know more, click through to roomanmolen.be
•
June 18, 2023
Cycling
•
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Roomanmolen
3.7
(3)
87
riders
59.0km
03:55
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
66
riders
26.5km
01:34
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
32
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 10 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 16 May
16°C
9°C
77 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific opening hours for visiting the Roomanmolen?
The Roomanmolen is generally open to the public from April 1 to October 31. During this period, you can visit on the first and last Sunday of each month, typically from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It also opens for special events like Mill Days and Heritage Days.
Is the Roomanmolen site accessible for visitors with limited mobility or strollers?
Yes, the Roomanmolen site is partially accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. This ensures that a wider range of visitors can enjoy the monument and its surroundings.
Are there specific walking or cycling routes recommended around the Roomanmolen?
The area around the Roomanmolen is very attractive for outdoor activities. While specific named routes aren't detailed, it's known for offering a variety of family-friendly walks and general walking and cycling routes through the picturesque Waasland countryside. You can find numerous trails suitable for different preferences, from leisurely strolls to more extensive routes, by exploring the local area.
What are the parking options available when visiting the Roomanmolen?
Parking facilities are generally available nearby in Sint-Pauwels. While there isn't a dedicated large car park specifically for the mill, visitors usually find convenient parking options within the village, allowing easy access to the monument.
Can I bring my dog when visiting the Roomanmolen?
The information available does not explicitly state a dog-friendly policy for inside the mill itself. However, the surrounding green environment and walking routes are generally suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. It's always best to check local signage or the official Roomanmolen website for the most current pet policies regarding access to the monument's interior or specific events.
Are there any cafes, pubs, or restaurants near the Roomanmolen for refreshments?
The Roomanmolen is located in Sint-Pauwels, a sub-municipality of Sint-Gillis-Waas. As it's situated near the Dries and the church, you can typically find local cafes, pubs, or restaurants within walking or a short driving distance in Sint-Pauwels or the wider Sint-Gillis-Waas area, offering options for refreshments and meals.
What makes the Roomanmolen unique compared to other windmills in Flanders?
The Roomanmolen holds the distinction of being the highest stone windmill in Flanders, standing at an impressive 24 meters. It's also notable for its rich history, having been built in 1847, and for its six internal attics. Its active role as a 'living monument' with milling demonstrations by passionate millers also sets it apart.
What kind of demonstrations or activities can visitors expect at the Roomanmolen?
On opening days, visitors can often witness milling demonstrations where the mill's wings turn and the machinery processes grain. Passionate millers are usually on hand to provide guided tours and explanations about the history of the mill and the traditional milling process, offering an engaging and educational experience.
How can I reach the Roomanmolen using public transport?
Public transport offers convenient access to the Roomanmolen in Sint-Pauwels. While specific bus routes or train stations aren't detailed here, local bus services typically connect Sint-Pauwels to larger towns or transport hubs in the Oost-Vlaanderen province. It's advisable to check regional public transport websites for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to Sint-Pauwels.
Is the Roomanmolen suitable for a winter visit, or are there specific seasonal considerations?
The Roomanmolen's primary operating season is from April 1 to October 31, when it's open on specific Sundays. Outside of this period, the mill is generally closed to the public, making it less suitable for a winter visit if you wish to see the interior or milling demonstrations. However, the exterior and surrounding area can still be enjoyed for walks, though conditions may vary with winter weather.
What is the historical significance of the auxiliary building next to the Roomanmolen?
The auxiliary building with a chimney, constructed in 1870, once housed a steam engine. This engine was used to power a separate mill for grinding grain during periods of windless weather, ensuring continuous operation. Although the steam engine itself was sold during World War II, the building remains as a testament to the mill's adaptive history and technological advancements.