Stalse Molen

Stalse Molen is a historic watermill standing on the banks of the Zwarte Beek stream in Koersel, today part of the town of Beringen in the Belgian province of Limburg. The name refers to the nearby hamlet of Stal, located northeast of the mill, though the building is also known as Lemmensmolen, after the Lemmens family, who have owned it since 1827.

How old is this mill?

A mill of some form has stood on this site since at least 1350, making Stalse Molen one of the older industrial structures in the area. It was built right on the boundary between the former settlements of Stal and Koersel, and over the centuries its millers were required to pay annual dues to the various families who held the surrounding land and water rights.

What changes has the building gone through?

The mill's current core structure largely dates back to 1684 — a date confirmed by an inscription carved into the wooden roof framework, marking a major reconstruction of the original building. A second significant transformation followed in 1882, when the mill was rebuilt in brick, giving it much of the appearance it has today. As a result, the structure still combines older timber elements with a 19th-century brick exterior.

When did the mill stop running on water power?

For centuries, the mill's waterwheel drove its grinding mechanisms, but by the mid-20th century it had deteriorated too far to keep operating. In 1947 the waterwheel was replaced with an electric drive, marking the end of an era of water-powered milling at this location and the transition to a more modern, if less picturesque, form of operation.

Why is Stalse Molen a protected monument?

Stalse Molen holds official heritage protection status. It was listed as a notable example of a watermill from the second half of the 19th century that still preserves components of older origin alongside 20th-century adaptations such as its electric drive. The protection also extends to the former oil mill building standing on the opposite bank of the stream, which forms an integral part of the historic milling complex and reflects its once multifunctional character.

What can visitors see today?

Visitors can admire the mill building together with its surroundings — its setting along the Zwarte Beek, the characteristic 19th-century brick facade, and traces of the older timber roof structure underneath. The site is of particular interest to anyone curious about the history of milling and traditional craftsmanship in the Limburg region, and its quiet, riverside setting makes it a pleasant stop on a walking or cycling route around Koersel and Beringen.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the name Stalse Molen come from? It comes from the nearby hamlet of Stal, located northeast of the mill.

Why is the mill also called Lemmensmolen? That name refers to the Lemmens family, who have owned the mill since 1827.

Since when has there been a mill on this site? A mill has stood here since at least 1350, though the current structure dates mainly from later rebuilds in 1684 and 1882.

Is the mill still powered by water? No — the waterwheel was replaced with an electric drive in 1947, once it had become too worn out to keep working.