There by that mill

Wooded hills and rolling fields, tender meadows and golden farmland, stubborn cobblestones and hidden paths... The Flemish Ardennes are a treat for the eyes. And the many windmills in the landscape are the icing on the cake! Especially with a fresh pint or a tasty local dish to go with it.

Forget the Netherlands

The Flemish Ardennes has been a mill region from time immemorial – at one time we even rivalled the Netherlands. Thanks to its many hills and open landscape, the region was particularly well-suited to windmills, and in the Zwalm Valley, there were streams with enough drop to power watermills. They were used for everything: to grind grain, but also to press oil from linseed, grind chicory, corn, rice and tobacco and even to work iron. They were the beating heart of the community for hundreds of years. And technically ingenious as well: up to 15 different types of wood are used in water mills alone!

90 mills on the menu

By around 1930, most traditional mills had lost their economic function. Fortunately, many have been preserved. In the entire province of East Flanders, there are no less than 35 windmills and 55 watermills, and the vast majority are in the Flemish Ardennes.

Ten centuries old

Many mills still in existence are nearly 1,000 years old. The Zwalmmolen is probably the best known, but there are countless more gems scattered across the landscape: beautiful to look at, lovingly restored and often open to visitors as well. In Etikhove, there is the Bossenaarmolen: a typical post mill resting on a heavy shaft. The entire mill is turned to the wind on that one shaft. But there's also, for example, the Huisekoutermolen in Zingem, the Klepmolen in Balegem and the Buysemolen in Herzele. All specimens that can still grind.

Who doesn't feel a streak of nostalgia and admiration at the sight of a centuries-old mill? They are beacons in the landscape, guideposts for hiking and cycling routes. And – bonus! – some will gladly host you for a drink and a snack.

Luikwerk beer at the Boembekemolen

Take Boembekemolen on the Zwalm. The beautifully restored watermill houses the Natuurpunt Visitors' Centre for the Flemish Ardennes: a centre where nature, landscape, green energy and bio-ecological construction are central. Feel free to stroll in and enjoy the brasserie terrace. Be sure to try the Luiwerk beer, a local speciality that tastes like more. The Middenloop Zwalm nature reserve is just around the corner.

Gastronomic Ter Biestmolen

Ter Biestmolen is another gem. The oldest mention dates back to 1063, when it was used by the abbey of Ename. During World War I, an electricity generator was installed in the building which you can still see today. The mill was active until the 1970s and is now the cosy restaurant De Molenaere. A pancake or gourmet dinner next to the mill's original grinding mechanism is an experience in itself!

Organic at IJzerkotmolen

Another culinary establishment: the IJzerkotmolen. The first mention of this watermill dates back to the 15th century. You can get freshly baked bread in the bakery with grain from their own mill. In the tavern, you can taste dishes with vegetables and meat from local organic farmers. Settle down on the terrace for a pancake, an original cocktail and a croque or the house sandwich.

And now... Kilometres of grinding

Fancy a bike ride past the most beautiful mills in the region? Then follow the idyllic Watermill Cycle Route that explores the hilly countryside around Zwalm and Horebeke. It is a succession of beautiful vistas, picturesque villages, farmhouses and a great many water mills: the Zwalmmolen, the Bostmolen, the Moldergemmolen and the IJzerkotmolen. Take a good look around on your trip: you will also see quite a few windmills in the distance.

For the ramblers

The hiking route Along the Zwalmbeek is a considerable stretch of 13 kilometres, but you can also opt for a loop of 5.5 kilometres. You will start at the Zwalmmolen, explore Sint-Denijs-Boekel and then head downhill towards Nederzwalm, where the Ter Biestmolen immediately catches the eye. The IJzerkotmolen is also nearby. This will be a feast, literally and figuratively!