Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Monument · Damme, Flandres Ocidental
Schellemolen
Windmill from 1867 on the banks of the Damse Vaart, at the approach to Damme. A mill has stood on the same site since 1479; it resumed milling in 1977.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Schellemolen
The Schellemolen is a brick windmill that rises on a small mound on the bank of the Damse Vaart, at the entrance to Damme for those coming from Bruges. The present building dates from 1867, but there is a record of a mill on the same spot since 1479.
It operated commercially until 1963. In 1971 the province of West Flanders bought the mill, which was restored and resumed milling in 1977, powered by the wind as before.
Because it stands between the canal and the polder fields, with poplars alongside, the mill became one of the best-known images of the surroundings of Bruges, and many cyclists stop there before entering the village.
The interior is usually open for visits on spring and summer weekends. The exterior can be seen any day.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 10 to 30 minutes, depending on whether the visit includes the interior.
Best time
On spring and summer weekends, when the interior is usually open. For photos, late afternoon provides side light on the mill and the canal.
How to get there
It sits on the bank of the Damse Vaart, at the entrance to Damme, a few minutes' walk from the town hall square and on the cycle path coming from Bruges.
Tip
Stop at the mill on the way there and leave the village for later: that way you arrive in Damme with the mill photo already taken, before groups of cyclists accumulate.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Schellemolen
Does the Schellemolen still operate?
Yes. After restoration, the mill resumed milling in 1977, powered by the wind.
Can you go inside the mill?
The interior is usually open on spring and summer weekends. Check before you go.