Discover Snellegem: Mills, Churches and Countryside

Snellegem appeals to travellers who take architectural history, archaeological traces and landscape into account when choosing a destination. Local highlights include an unusual mill complex, historic churches and the protected Vloethemveld. The renovated village square also has a special role: it forms the historic centre and is the starting point for two named walking routes. This allows you to appreciate the village through its different cultural and natural features.

History in Buildings and Archaeological Sites

The Boerenmolen combines the tall body of a post mill dating from the mid-19th century with a former watermill building. The latter was built in 1840 and used as the miller’s residence from around 1922. The complex thus brings together different chapters in milling history: the construction of the windmill and the later use of the watermill building as a home.

The Sint-Eligiuskerk also brings together different building phases. It comprises a Romanesque church from the 12th century and a Neo-Gothic basilica church, built next to the Romanesque church in 1892–1893. The history of the Sint-Elooiskerk site stretches back to the 7th century. These two historical references offer different points of reference for the village’s history.

The Oosthof is considered the oldest farm in West Flanders. It was once the central seat of a Merovingian and Carolingian royal domain. Archaeological discoveries also date back to these early centuries: more than 18 Merovingian longhouses dating from the 5th to the 8th century have been discovered in Snellegem. The Hanseeuwkapelletje adds a more recent reference to the local history. It was built in the mid-20th century in gratitude for a recovery.

Vloethemveld and the Natural Landscape

Vloethemveld and its surroundings lie southwest of the village centre. The protected landscape extends across Snellegem’s southern boundary into Zedelgem. The nature reserve covers 365 hectares and includes woodland, heathland, nutrient-poor grasslands and nutrient-poor water. The landscape cannot be reduced to a single type: woodland and heathland are among its features, as are open grasslands and bodies of water.

Another natural feature is the pond belonging to the De Molenvissers angling club. It is a nature area created in 1971 during the construction of new roads. Together with Vloethemveld, the pond adds a second, differently formed natural landscape to the picture of Snellegem.

Walking from the Village Square

The renovated village square is the historic centre of Snellegem. The Jacob van Maerlant walk starts here, on Kerkeweg. The signposted Baekelandtpad also starts at the village square; this walking route is 10 km long. Free parking is available in the square. This makes the village square a practical landmark for planning your visit, with the centre, parking and starting points for both walks all in one place.

If you are looking for a hotel in Snellegem, you can choose your destination based on the themes that interest you: mill and church architecture, early local history or the landscape of Vloethemveld. The village square also offers a clearly named starting point for both walks; the Baekelandtpad’s length is specified, too.

Discover more destinations: Stalhille, Varsenare.

View the wider travel overview: Jabbeke.