Tidal mill Rupelmonde

Hidden between dikes, waterways, and the historic heart of Rupelmonde lies a remarkable piece of heritage: the only working tidal mill in Flanders. Here, it’s the water that turns the wheel, not the wind. Driven by the rhythm of ebb and flow, this mill has harnessed the power of the Scheldt since the 16th century, turning it into food and progress.

During a guided tour by the miller, you’ll discover the ingenious inner workings, featuring Belgium’s largest internal waterwheel. You’ll also hear stories about craftsmanship, trade, and the language that grew from them. “To get a knock from the mill”? “To fight windmills”? Here, you’ll find out where these expressions come from.

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Things to do

  • Get a guided tour from a real miller.
  • Experience how ebb and flow powerd this mill for centuries.
  • Learn about milling technology, language, and life in the 16th century.
  • Discover how idioms and sayings found their origins in mills.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through historic Rupelmonde.

Practical information

  • Location: Watermolenstraat 3, 9150 Rupelmonde.
  • Open on fixed days and for groups by appointment.
  • For more information, visit the website of Toerisme Waasland.

What this place tells us about the Geopark

The Tidal Mill shows how the power of water has shaped not only the landscape, but also the economy and language of the region. Here, nature, technology, and culture quite literally come together.