Slagmolen

Slagmolen is a historic watermill in Genk, in the Belgian province of Limburg, regarded as one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. It sits on the banks of the Stiemerbeek stream, whose flow has powered the site through several industrial lives.

Where does the mill's history begin?

The story starts in 1523, when the weavers' guilds of nearby Hasselt built a fulling mill here to felt wool cloth. That original purpose did not last long: around 1612 the building was converted into an oil mill, pressing rapeseed oil.

From 1645 the mill also produced cords made from flax and hemp alongside its rapeseed oil pressing. By the late 18th century, oil pressing had become the sole activity, and in 1834 grain milling was introduced, gradually becoming the mill's main function. Oil pressing ended toward the close of the 19th century, and in 1899 an iron underworks was installed to modernize the drive mechanism. Grain milling then continued without interruption until 1955.

How did the mill become a gathering place?

After industrial milling ceased, the building stood empty for over a decade. Its next chapter began in 1966, when the Slagmolen was converted into a café and restaurant. Later run by Renaat Huygen, it became a well-known local establishment and operated until 2010, after which the mill again fell silent.

What is happening at Slagmolen today?

A revival began in 2020, when Tourism Flanders purchased the site and placed it under long-term lease with Natuurpunt Genk, the nature organisation that manages the neighbouring De Maten area. In February 2026, the milling company Molenbouw De Jongh started installing a new water wheel, aiming to make the mill operational again after fifteen years of standstill.

Why visit Slagmolen?

Slagmolen brings together several threads that draw visitors to Genk. It is a physical record of centuries of local industry — from wool fulling, through oil pressing, to grain milling — layered into one repeatedly rebuilt structure. It is also a gateway to nature: the mill borders De Maten, one of Limburg's most valued complexes of ponds and wetlands, popular for walking and birdwatching. The ongoing restoration of the water wheel is intended to turn the site back into a working visitor centre in the coming years, pairing industrial heritage with nature education.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Slagmolen? The first structure on the site dates to 1523, when it began as a wool-fulling mill, making it one of the oldest buildings in Genk.

Is the mill still operating? It stopped grinding grain in 1955 and closed as a restaurant in 2010. Since February 2026, a new water wheel has been under installation to restore its function.

Who manages the site now? The land belongs to Tourism Flanders and is leased to the nature organisation Natuurpunt Genk.

What is nearby? The mill sits next to the De Maten nature area, known for its ponds and walking trails.