Author: andrea.sparacino@stoomtreinmaldegem.be

  • 23-24 May 2026 | Railway To Liberty

    23-24 May 2026 | Railway To Liberty

    RAILWAY TO LIBERTY
    23 en 24 May 2026
    Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo
    24 May: from 10h00 until 15u10
    Meet and greet ‘Allo ‘Allo at station Maldegem

    This event is organised by the non-profit association Codus, in collaboration with Stoomtrein Maldegem‑Eeklo.

    The Second World War lies far behind us. Today, peace and freedom define our region. In 1945, the railways played a crucial role in the liberation. On 23 and 24 May 2026, CODUS and Stoomtrein Maldegem‑Eeklo commemorate this historic moment! From the museum station in Maldegem or the station of Eeklo, you can board a 1930s historic train that takes you to a fully reconstructed Second World War army camp. Nothing is left to chance: uniforms, tents, vehicles… everything looks and feels authentic. And to top it all off, a spectacular WWII re‑enactment awaits you.

    On Sunday 24 May, they will make a special appearance at this unique event, bringing plenty of humour, atmosphere and nostalgia.
    The cast of ‘Allo ‘Allo will be present at Maldegem station from 10:00 to 15:10. (An admission ticket is required and may be booked for any time slot between 10:00 and 15:10.

    ✔️Saturday 23 May:the “Train to Liberty” departs punctually at 14:15! Check‑in from 13:30 until 14:00 at the latest..(sold out)

    ✔️Sunday 24 May: two options are available:

    • Battletrein ride (sold out) + visit to the Railway To Liberty site and Stoomtrein Maldegem‑Eeklo Exclusive train with on‑board experience. Only accessible with a ticket for this specific ride (departure at 14:15). IMPORTANT: please be present in Maldegem no later than 14:00.
      (Return with any train of your choice.)
    • Visit + ride with Stoomtrein Maldegem‑Eeklo + access to the Railway To Liberty site
      Day ticket giving access to Stoomtrein Maldegem‑Eeklo and the Railway To Liberty event site. Valid for departures from Maldegem or Eeklo. IMPORTANT: does not include access to the 14:15 train. You can still experience the show in Balgerhoeke from the camp by taking a different train.
      (Return with any train of your choice.)

    ✔️Tickets cannot be changed. Please check all options carefully before booking.

    Adults (11+)€ 18,00
    Children (4-11)€ 12,00
    Children (< 4)Free

    Online reservation is required!

    The Train to Liberty takes you back to life in 1945, right into a faithfully reconstructed WWII army camp.
    The cast of ‘Allo ‘Allo will not be present on saturday 23 May (but only on sunday 24 may)

    Programme:

    13.30Participants are expected at Stoomtrein Maldegem‑Eeklo (Stationsplein 8, Maldegem). Gather on the platform or board the Battletrein.
    14.15Departure of the “Train to Liberty” from Maldegem.
    14.30Arrival in Balgerhoeke. Stay alert… unexpected events may occur around the train 👀
    14.55Arrival at Eeklo station.
    15.20Departure from Eeklo.
    15.40Arrival in Balgerhoeke and transfer to the event site. Start of the show and re‑enactment. After the performance, you can explore the entire camp.
    18.30Departure from Balgerhoeke to Maldegem.
    18.50uArrival in Maldegem.

    As Sundays are regular operating days, more travel options are available.

    On Sunday 24 May, Lieutenant Gruber, Herr Flick and Helga will be present at Stoomtrein Maldegem‑Eeklo. They will greet visitors at every departure (up to and including the 15:10 train) from Maldegem station.
    The cast of ‘Allo ‘Allo will be present at Maldegem station from 10:00 to 15:10. (An admission ticket is required and may be booked for any time slot between 10:00 and 15:10.)

    Timetable:

    Timetable sunday 24 May 2026
    DieseltreinStoomtreinDieseltreinStoomtreinDieseltreinDieseltrein
    **
    Maldegem11:0511:5513:1014:1515:1017:05
    Balgerhoeke – arrival11:2012:1013:2514:3015:2517:20
    Balgerhoeke – departure11:2512:2513:3014:3516:3517:40
    Eeklo – arrival11:4512:4513:5014:5516:5518:00

    **Train accessible only with a special “Battletrein” ticket for the 14:15 departure (sold out).
    You can still experience the show in Balgerhoeke from the camp by taking a different train.

    DieseltreinStoomtreinDieseltreinStoomtreinDieseltreinDieseltrein
    **
    Eeklo – departure11:5513:0014:0515:2017:1018:10
    Balgerhoeke – arrival12:1513:2014:2515:4017:3018:30
    Balgerhoeke – departure12:2013:3514:4016:3017:3518:35
    Maldegem12:3513:5014:5516:4517:5018:50

    **Train accessible only with a special “Battletrein” ticket for the 14:15 departure (sold out).
    You can still experience the show in Balgerhoeke from the camp by taking a different train.

    Dieseltrein Diesel train

    Dieseltrein Diesel railcar

    Stoomtrein Steam train

    Which day are you visiting?

  • 2-3 May | Steam Train Festival

    2-3 May | Steam Train Festival

    STEAM TRAIN FESTIVAL
    2 and 3 May 2026
    10h00 – 18h00
    Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo

    © François Van Parys

    Kick off the 2026 train season at Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo with our Steam Train Festival! Step back in time and enjoy a weekend full of moving steam locomotives, historic trains and activities for all ages.

    This year, the festivities will take place on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May.

    • Several steam locomotives in action.
    • Belgian AD.09 from CF3V Mariembourg, celebrating 75 years.
    • German steam locomotive ‘TOM’ from Hoogovens IJmuiden.
    • Carriage ‘SR2 Bar-Dancing’ is stopping by: you can literally dance inside!
    • From our own collection: celebration of 100 years of the ‘Bébert’ steam locomotive.
    • Exhibitions of various railway equipment.
    • Ride along on our steam and diesel trains to Eeklo.
    • Narrow-gauge steam train rides.
    • Railway market, LEGO trains and miniature trains.
    • Various catering options and a terrace with a view of the activities.
    Adults (+ 11 y)€ 20,00
    Children (4-11 y)€ 15,00
    Children (< 4 y)Free admission
    Groups (from 15 p.)
    Reservation required!
    € 15,00

    Tickets are available online in advance, as well as at the ticket office on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May 2026. If you board the train in Eeklo, tickets can also be purchased on board.

    The Steam Train Festival can be visited by train, bus or car.

    Discover a wide variety of locomotives and rolling stock at the Steam Train Festival, including pieces from our own collection and visiting trains.

    It’s not just about trains – a variety of side activities make your visit even more enjoyable.

    Visitors

    • Steam locomotive ‘AD.09’ from the Belgian museum railway CFV3V Mariembourg
    • Steam locomotive ‘TOM’ from Hoogovens Stoom IJmuiden
    • Modern hybrid diesel locomotive ‘DE18’ from HSL Belgium (on display only)
    • Mainline diesel ‘CFL1817’ (on display only)
    • Mainline diesel ‘5538’
    • Carriage ‘SR2 Bar-Dancing’
    • Diesel locomotive ‘DB Cargo 6500’ (in display only)
    • Diesel locomotive serie 55 TVM

    Own collection

    • Yvonne (Steam locomotive)
    • Bébert (Steam locomotive)
    • Austerity (Steam locomotive)
    • 4403 (Railcar)
    • 4620 (Railcar)
    • 553.12 (Railcar)
    • 5508 (Mainline diesel – on display only)
    • 260.040 (Shunting locomotive)
    • 7408 (Shunting locomotive)

    Visitors

    • Kerr Stuart ‘Peter Pan’ (Steam locomotive)

    Own collection

    • Hanomag ‘Yvonne’ (Steam locomotive)
    • Miniature trains
    • Bites & drinks: bar (also onboard the trains), large terrace at Maldegem station, fries, ice cream, station buffet…
    • Shop with souvenirs
    • Railway market with miniatures, train books, DVDs, toys…

    Saturday 2 May 2026

    Sunday 3 May 2026

    Press contact: Sven De Boeck
    Telephone: +32 (0)499/59.04.03
    E-mail: sven.de.boeck@stoomtreinmaldegem.be

    We would like to thank our sponsors and partners.

  • 22, 23, 29 & 30 November 2025 | Steam train with Sinterklaas

    22, 23, 29 & 30 November 2025 | Steam train with Sinterklaas

    Steam train with Sinterklaas
    22, 23, 29 & 30 November 2025
    Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo

    Sinterklaas is coming back to Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo for another unforgettable celebration! Step aboard a real steam train and let your children experience the magic of this cherished tradition.
    During the journey, Sinterklaas and his Pieten will delight everyone with cheerful entertainment, fun surprises, and plenty of festive spirit. Every child will enjoy a personal meeting with Sinterklaas and receive a well-filled gift bag to take home.
    While the children revel in all the excitement, parents can relax with a warm drink and soak up the cosy atmosphere of the heated train.
    Don’t miss this enchanting Sinterklaas experience — book your tickets now and make it a family day to remember!

    Saturday 22 November

    Doors open1 PM
    Arrival of Sinterklaas1:45 PM
    Departure Maldegem2:15 PM
    Sinterklaas photoshoot
    Arrival at Maldegem4:30 PM

    Sunday 23 November

    Doors open1 PM
    Arrival of Sinterklaas1:45 PM
    Departure Maldegem2:15 PM
    Sinterklaas photoshoot
    Arrival at Maldegem4:30 PM

    Saturday 29 November

    Doors open1 PM
    Arrival of Sinterklaas1:45 PM
    Departure Maldegem2:15 PM
    Sinterklaas photoshoot
    Arrival at Maldegem4:30 PM

    Sunday 30 November (morning)

    Doors open9 AM
    Arrival of Sinterklaas9:45 AM
    Departure Maldegem10 AM
    Sinterklaas photoshoot
    Arrival at Maldegem12 PM

    Sunday 30 November (afternoon)

    Doors open1 PM
    Arrival of Sinterklaas1:45 PM
    Departure Maldegem2:15 PM
    Sinterklaas photoshoot
    Arrival at Maldegem4:30 PM

    Children (2 – 12 years)

    This ticket includes

    • A giftbag from Sinterklaas
    • A ride aboard the Sinterklaas Steam Train
    • Lots of treats from Sinterklaas and his Pieten

    Adults (from 13 years)

    This tickets includes:

    • A ride aboard the Sinterklaas Steam Train
    • Lots of treats from Sinterklaas and his Pieten

    Toddler (up to 1 year old)

    This ticket includes:

    • A ride aboard the Sinterklaas Steam Train
    • Lots of treats from Sinterklaas and his Pieten

    Departure and arrival take place at Maldegem Station (Stationsplein 8, 9990 Maldegem)

    • Children must always be accompanied by an adult.
    • For organizational reasons, registration and advance payment are required. Tickets can only be purchased via our website.
    • Once paid, tickets will be sent by email. Printed tickets will be scanned at the entrance.
    • Tickets are non-refundable. Please check the date carefully when booking, as tickets can only be rescheduled under exceptional circumstances due to train capacity.
    • If you are unable to attend, gift bags can be collected at Stoomtrein Maldegem – Eeklo after the ride.

    Please note: Other discounts do not apply to this event!

  • September 21, 2025 | Ride behind the 5508!

    September 21, 2025 | Ride behind the 5508!

    RIDE BEHIND THE 5508!
    21 sept. 2025
    Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo

    On Sunday 21 September, step back in time and enjoy more than just an ordinary operating day. We’re running a full special timetable featuring steam trains, railcars – and for the very first time, our mighty mainline diesel 5508.

    This is a rare opportunity: one of the last public runs before the railway bridge at Balgerhoeke undergoes winter restoration.

    To mark this unique occasion, we’ve put together a varied schedule packed with railway heritage for every enthusiast:

    • 2 steam-hauled trips
    • 1 railcar journey
    • 2 runs with the 5508 (in TUC livery)
    Purple timetable
    Open from 09h30 tot 18h00
    DieseltreinDiesellocomotiefStoomtreinDiesellocomotiefStoomtrein
    Maldegem10:1011:4012:4014:3015:45
    Balgerhoeke10:2512:0013:0014:5016:05
    Eeklo NMBS
    Arrival: platform 3
    10:4012:2513:2515:1516:30
    Eeklo NMBS
    Departure: platform 3
    11:0012:3513:4015:4016:40
    Balgerhoeke11:1513:0014:0016:0517:00
    Maldegem11:3013:2014:2016:2517:20

    Dieseltrein Railcar

    Stoomtrein Steam train

    Diesellocomotief Mainline diesel 5508

    Smalspoor
    Departure10:3011:4513:3014:4015:5016:50
    Arrival11:2012:3514:2015:3016:4017:40
  • November 9, 2025 | Lunch

    November 9, 2025 | Lunch

    The Oriënt Dining Express returns!
    On Friday, November 9, Belgium’s most romantic train will run again. Our steam locomotive will haul the train while you enjoy a delicious game lunch on board, catered by Jurgen Kookt.

    Please note that this event is not suitable for babies and children under the age of 12.
    We kindly ask that all children remain seated and supervised by an adult throughout the journey.

    Arrival (with guided tour): 11h00
    Arrival (without guided tour): 11h45
    Train departure & service of the first course: 12h30
    Estimated return time: 15h30

    Adress: Stationsplein 8, 9990 Maldegem

    FAQ →

    Date
    November 9, 2025
    Price
    starting from €117/person
    Reservations

    Aperitif

    4 appetizers
    Sweet potato // Pluma Ibérico “BBQ” // romanesco
    Lobster roll style // brioche // king crab // lime
    Venison tartare // chicory // chestnut // crispy black garlic
    Carrot // coquillette pasta // safron foam

    ***
    Starter

    John Dory “St Pierre”
    Charred leek // shellfish mousseline // squid ink oil
    Warm accompaniment: Leek velouté // bread // Gouda cream

    ***
    Main course

    Slow-cooked, pan-seared pheasant fillet
    Salsify in various textures // sautéed // cream // liquorice
    “Brabançonne” rösti // chicory // truffle
    Including a second serving: Ragout of the thighs

    ***
    Dessert

    Mascarpone // ladyfinger biscuit // Amaretto jelly / cocoa meringue
    Hot serve: Italian coffee

    Drinks are included

    WR4250
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €124 per person*€137 per person*€160 per person*
    FIRST-CLASS K1AD
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €117 per person*€127 per person*€145 per person*
    *(Admission ticket includes and reserved seat, VAT included)

  • November 8, 2025 | Dinner

    November 8, 2025 | Dinner

    The Oriënt Dining Express returns!
    On Friday, November 8, Belgium’s most romantic train will run again. Our steam locomotive will haul the train while you enjoy a delicious game dinner on board, catered by Jurgen Kookt.

    Please note that this event is not suitable for babies and children under the age of 12.
    We kindly ask that all children remain seated and supervised by an adult throughout the journey.

    Arrival (with guided tour): 17h30
    Arrival (without guided tour): 18h15
    Train departure & service of the first course: 19h00
    Estimated return time: 21h15

    Adress: Stationsplein 8, 9990 Maldegem

    FAQ →

    Date
    November 8, 2025
    Price
    starting from €117/person
    Reservations

    Aperitif

    4 appetizers
    Sweet potato // Pluma Ibérico “BBQ” // romanesco
    Lobster roll style // brioche // king crab // lime
    Venison tartare // chicory // chestnut // crispy black garlic
    Carrot // coquillette pasta // safron foam

    ***
    Starter

    John Dory “St Pierre”
    Charred leek // shellfish mousseline // squid ink oil
    Warm accompaniment: Leek velouté // bread // Gouda cream

    ***
    Main course

    Slow-cooked, pan-seared pheasant fillet
    Salsify in various textures // sautéed // cream // liquorice
    “Brabançonne” rösti // chicory // truffle
    Including a second serving: Ragout of the thighs

    ***
    Dessert

    Mascarpone // ladyfinger biscuit // Amaretto jelly / cocoa meringue
    Hot serve: Italian coffee

    Drinks are included

    WR4250
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €124 per person*€137 per person*€160 per person*
    FIRST-CLASS K1AD
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €117 per person*€127 per person*€145 per person*
    *(Admission ticket includes and reserved seat, VAT included)

  • November 7, 2025 | Dinner

    November 7, 2025 | Dinner

    The Oriënt Dining Express returns!
    On Friday, November 7, Belgium’s most romantic train will run again. Our steam locomotive will haul the train while you enjoy a delicious game dinner on board, catered by Jurgen Kookt.

    Please note that this event is not suitable for babies and children under the age of 12.
    We kindly ask that all children remain seated and supervised by an adult throughout the journey.

    Arrival (with guided tour): 17h30
    Arrival (without guided tour): 18h15
    Train departure & service of the first course: 19h00
    Estimated return time: 21h15

    Adress: Stationsplein 8, 9990 Maldegem

    FAQ →

    Date
    November 7, 2025
    Price
    starting from €117/person
    Reservations

    Aperitif

    4 appetizers
    Sweet potato // Pluma Ibérico “BBQ” // romanesco
    Lobster roll style // brioche // king crab // lime
    Venison tartare // chicory // chestnut // crispy black garlic
    Carrot // coquillette pasta // safron foam

    ***
    Starter

    John Dory “St Pierre”
    Charred leek // shellfish mousseline // squid ink oil
    Warm accompaniment: Leek velouté // bread // Gouda cream

    ***
    Main course

    Slow-cooked, pan-seared pheasant fillet
    Salsify in various textures // sautéed // cream // liquorice
    “Brabançonne” rösti // chicory // truffle
    Including a second serving: Ragout of the thighs

    ***
    Dessert

    Mascarpone // ladyfinger biscuit // Amaretto jelly / cocoa meringue
    Hot serve: Italian coffee

    Drinks are included

    WR4250
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €124 per person*€137 per person*€160 per person*
    FIRST-CLASS K1AD
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €117 per person*€127 per person*€145 per person*
    *(Admission ticket includes and reserved seat, VAT included)

  • October 12, 2025 | Lunch

    October 12, 2025 | Lunch

    The Oriënt Dining Express returns!
    On Sunday, October 12, Belgium’s most romantic train will run again. Our steam locomotive will haul the train while you enjoy a delicious lunch on board, catered by Declerck Catering.

    Please note that this event is not suitable for babies and children under the age of 12.
    We kindly ask that all children remain seated and supervised by an adult throughout the journey.

    Arrival (with guided tour): 11h00
    Arrival (without guided tour): 12h00
    Train departure & service of the first course: 12h30
    Estimated return time: 15h30

    Adress: Stationsplein 8, 9990 Maldegem

    FAQ →

    Date
    October 12, 2025
    Price
    starting from €117/person
    Reservations

    Aperitif

    White sausage by Dierendonck / green apple / black olive
    Home lade focaccia / mimolette cheese
    Smoked salmon / lime / wasabi
    Black angus carpaccio / truffle / parmigiano reggiano

    ***
    Starter

    Venison carpaccio / beech mushroom / fregola sarda / nut leaf salad

    ***
    Main course

    Mechelen cuckoo / grand veneur sauce / little gem lettuce / young carrot / fondant potato

    ***
    Dessert

    Raspberry fantasy / yoghurt / forest fruits

    Drinks are included

    WR4250
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €124 per person*€137 per person*€160 per person*
    FIRST-CLASS K1AD
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €117 per person*€127 per person*€145 per person*
    *(Admission ticket includes and reserved seat, VAT included)

  • October 11, 2025 | Dinner

    October 11, 2025 | Dinner

    The Oriënt Dining Express returns!
    On Saturday, October 11, Belgium’s most romantic train will run again. Our steam locomotive will haul the train while you enjoy a delicious diner on board, catered by Declerck Catering.

    Please note that this event is not suitable for babies and children under the age of 12.
    We kindly ask that all children remain seated and supervised by an adult throughout the journey.

    Arrival (with guided tour): 17h30
    Arrival (without guided tour): 18h30
    Train departure & service of the first course: 19h00
    Estimated return time: 21h15

    Adress: Stationsplein 8, 9990 Maldegem

    FAQ →

    Date
    October 11, 2025
    Price
    starting from €117/person
    Reservations

    Aperitif

    White sausage by Dierendonck / green apple / black olive
    Home lade focaccia / mimolette cheese
    Smoked salmon / lime / wasabi
    Black angus carpaccio / truffle / parmigiano reggiano

    ***
    Starter

    Venison carpaccio / beech mushroom / fregola sarda / nut leaf salad

    ***
    Main course

    Mechelen cuckoo / grand veneur sauce / little gem lettuce / young carrot / fondant potato

    ***
    Dessert

    Raspberry fantasy / yoghurt / forest fruits

    Drinks are included

    WR4250
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €124 per person*€137 per person*€160 per person*
    FIRST-CLASS K1AD
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €117 per person*€127 per person*€145 per person*
    *(Admission ticket includes and reserved seat, VAT included)

  • September 14, 2025 | Lunch

    September 14, 2025 | Lunch

    The Oriënt Dining Express returns!
    On Sunday, September 14, Belgium’s most romantic train will run again. Our steam locomotive will haul the train while you enjoy a delicious lunch on board, catered by Jurgen Kookt.

    Please note that this event is not suitable for babies and children under the age of 12.
    We kindly ask that all children remain seated and supervised by an adult throughout the journey.

    Arrival (with guided tour): 11h00
    Arrival (without guided tour): 12h00
    Train departure & service of the first course: 12h30
    Estimated return time: 15h00

    Adress: Stationsplein 8, 9990 Maldegem

    FAQ →

    Date
    September 14, 2025
    Price
    starting from €117/person
    Reservations

    Aperitif

    4 canapés
    Pulled pork // Mexican style // corn cream // tortilla
    Green curry crémeux // herb couscous // sea bass tartare
    Celeriac mousse // smoked duck // walnut // orange
    Prawn bisque // piquillo // cognac

    ***
    Starter

    Quail “mushroom toast”
    Nut bread toast // sautéed mushrooms
    warm foam of black garlic // fresh herbs

    Warm accompaniment: pan-seared quail fillet
    &
    Bread // truffle butter

    ***
    Main course

    Pan-seared duck breast on the skin
    textures of butternut // savoy cabbage // smoked bacon
    “Aigre-doux” jus with honey and blue plum

    including a second serving: Salpicon of the thighs

    ***
    Dessert

    Saint-Honoré “popcorn”
    Choux pastry // popcorn mousse // chocolate // salted caramel

    Drinks are included

    WR4250
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €124 per person*€137 per person*€160 per person*
    FIRST-CLASS K1AD
    4 PERSONS3 PERSONS2 PERSONS
    €117 per person*€127 per person*€145 per person*
    *(Admission ticket includes and reserved seat, VAT included)