Papiermolen Herisem
About This Museum
Tucked away in the Flemish town of Beersel, the Herisem Mill isn't just a museum; it's a rare survivor. This is one of the last remaining paper mills in Europe where you can still smell the damp pulp and hear the ghost of industrial machinery. It feels less like a curated exhibit and more like the workers have just stepped out for a lunch break, leaving their massive hammers and vats behind. You walk through a time capsule of Belgium's industrial heartbeat, surrounded by the original, weathered brick and towering wooden wheels.
Collection Highlights
The star is undoubtedly the colossal 19th-century Hollander beater, a monster of a machine used to shred rags into pulp. Don't miss the collection of watermarks or the fully operational hammer mill, its rhythmic thuds bringing the past vividly to life.
Visitor Information
Find it at Fabriekstraat 20 in Beersel—it's best to check their website for open days as it's not your typical nine-to-five attraction. The authentic, slightly rough-around-the-edges atmosphere is part of its charm.
Architecture & Building
A sprawling, functional complex of red brick buildings from the 19th century, dominated by its iconic water wheel and tall chimney stack—pure, unvarnished industrial heritage.
Contact & Location
Address: 20, Fabriekstraat, Dworp, Beersel, Halle-Vilvoorde, Vlaams-Brabant, Vlaanderen, 1652, België / Belgique / Belgien
Website: Visit Website
