Molen van Bels, Historic watermill in Mander, Netherlands
Molen van Bels is a watermill in Tubbergen that grinds grain using two millstones powered by water flow. The mill operates through a system of wooden gears and mechanical components that convert the water's force into milling action.
The watermill was built centuries ago and gained status as a Rijksmonument because of its importance to local farming communities. The site reflects an era when water-powered mills formed the backbone of rural economies.
The mill demonstrates how grain processing was once central to rural Dutch life, with visitors able to observe the traditional techniques that locals depended on. The working machinery offers insight into the rhythm and skill of milling as a craft and livelihood.
The mill offers guided tours on Sundays, which is the best time to see the machinery in operation and understand how it works. An on-site restaurant is open most days, making it convenient to combine a visit with a meal.
The mill serves a dual purpose today: it still produces flour using traditional methods while also operating as a restaurant. This unusual combination shows how heritage sites can blend historical operations with contemporary use.
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