Witte Molen

Witte Molen is a historic bergmolen — a mound mill built on an artificial earthen hill to catch more wind — standing along Zeeweg in Roksem, a village belonging to the municipality of Oudenburg in West Flanders, Belgium.

Where does the name come from and what is the mill's history?

In the first half of the 17th century, a wooden post mill was erected on this spot. It appears on the famous Ferraris Map, drawn up between 1770 and 1778, under the name "Rockxem-molen" — directly tying the site's early history to the village of Roksem. The current brick bergmolen structure dates from 1843 and was built reusing components from the earlier wooden mill. Several beams still bear carved dates from the 18th century, confirming that parts of the original timber framework survived the rebuild and were incorporated into the new brick tower.

What was the mill used for?

Witte Molen was never a single-purpose mill. It ground grain into flour, but it was also used to crush oats and press oil, which was in turn used to make paint. This kind of multi-functionality was typical of rural mills in the region, which had to serve the varied needs of surrounding farms and local craft.

What happened to it in the 20th century?

The mill remained in operation until 1961, when it was finally closed down. After production ceased, the building gradually fell into disrepair and its sails were removed. For decades, Witte Molen sat neglected, losing much of its original appearance and function.

How was it restored?

The town of Oudenburg, which holds the mill under a long-term leasehold (emphyteusis), undertook a thorough restoration. The work brought back the mill's historic appearance, and the restored building was formally inaugurated on Open Monument Day, September 13, 2003. Since then, Witte Molen has stood as one of the recognizable landmarks of Roksem and the wider Oudenburg municipality.

Where exactly is Witte Molen located?

The mill stands on Zeeweg in Roksem, on the edge of the village, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium. Its approximate coordinates are 51.16° N, 3.03° E.

Frequently asked questions

Is Witte Molen still operating? No — milling activity ended in 1961. After restoration, the building now serves as a heritage landmark open to visitors.

What is a bergmolen? It's a type of windmill built on top of an artificial earthen mound (berg), which let the sails catch wind more effectively above the surrounding flat terrain, buildings, and trees.

How does the current structure differ from the original mill? The original 17th-century mill was a wooden post mill. The current brick bergmolen tower was built in 1843, partly reusing components from the older timber construction.

Why is it called "Witte" (White) Molen? The name refers to the color of the mill tower. It's one of several mills sharing this name across Belgium and the Netherlands, usually distinguished by the name of their village — in this case, Roksem.