Verrebeekmolen

Verrebeekmolen is a brick windmill standing along the Mijnwerkerspad path, on the Verrebekekouter hill in Opbrakel, a village that belongs to the municipality of Brakel in East Flanders. The mill rises above the rolling countryside of the Vlaamse Ardennen (Flemish Ardennes), a region known for its hills, orchards and cycling routes, making it a natural landmark for anyone exploring the area on foot or by bike.

How did this windmill come about?

Construction of the brick windmill began in 1789 at the initiative of a certain J.B. van Damme. It was originally built as an oil mill, pressing oil from seeds — a common rural trade in Flanders at the time. The year "1803," carved into the mill's tail, most likely marks the completion of the structure or a significant later modification. Toward the end of the 19th century, the mill's purpose changed: it was converted into a grain mill, grinding cereal into flour for farms in the surrounding countryside.

How did it survive to the present day?

The mill remained in operation without interruption until 1938, when milling activity finally ceased. Over time its distinctive cap — the rotating top section housing the sail mechanism — was removed, accelerating the building's decline. A severe storm in 1983 dealt a further blow, damaging the structure so badly that it was eventually dismantled entirely. The windmill's story could have ended there, were it not for the determination of the local community and heritage authorities.

Why does a rebuilt replica stand here today?

Between 1994 and 1996, the Verrebeekmolen was fully reconstructed according to its historical design, faithfully recreating the appearance and structure of the original mill as it stood before its destruction. The site itself had already been granted protected heritage status back in 1978, prior to its final collapse — a designation that later made a precise, documentation-based reconstruction possible. Today the rebuilt windmill stands as a living monument to the region's milling craft.

Can visitors go inside?

The Verrebeekmolen is open to visitors on set days, with public openings held on the last Sunday of every month. It's a chance to see the sail mechanism and grinding machinery up close and learn about the history of oil pressing and grain milling in East Flanders. For anyone touring the Vlaamse Ardennen, the mill offers an interesting stop that combines the region's scenic hills with two centuries of local industrial heritage.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Verrebeekmolen located? Along the Mijnwerkerspad path, on the Verrebekekouter hill in the village of Opbrakel, part of the municipality of Brakel in the province of East Flanders.

When was this windmill built? Construction began in 1789 as an oil mill; the year 1803 carved into the mill's tail likely marks the completion of the work.

Is this the original structure? Partly — after being wrecked by a storm in 1983 and subsequently dismantled, the mill was rebuilt between 1994 and 1996 faithfully following its historical design.

When can the windmill be visited? Open days for visitors are held on the last Sunday of every month.