Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo steam railway

Category: Events

  • 2-3 May | Steam Train Festival

    2-3 May | Steam Train Festival

    EVENT

    STEAM TRAIN FESTIVAL
    2 and 3 May 2026
    Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo

    © François Van Parys

    Experience the 2026 Steam Train Festival at Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo

    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.

    Highlights

    • Several steam locomotives in action.
    • Belgian AD.09 from CF3V Mariembourg, celebrating 75 years.
    • German steam locomotive ‘TOM’ from Hoogovens IJmuiden.
    • Mainline diesel locomotive 5508.
    • 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.

    Tickets

    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.

    TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

    Accessible by train, bus or car

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

    Overview of rolling stock & activities

    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.

    Standard Gauge

    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’
    • Mainline diesel ‘5538’
    • Carriage ‘SR2 Bar-Dancing’
    • Diesel locomotive ‘DB Cargo 6500’ (subject to change)
    • Diesel locomotive serie 55 TVM (subject to change)

    Own collection

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

    Narrow gauge

    Visitors

    • Kerr Stuart ‘Peter Pan’ (Steam locomotive)

    Own collection

    • Hanomag ‘Yvonne’ (Steam locomotive)

    Extra activities

    • 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…

    Timetable Steam Train Festival 2026

    Saturday 2 May 2026
    The timetable for Saturday 2 May will be announced later.

    Sunday 3 May 2026
    The timetable for Sunday 3 May will be announced later.

    Press and Partners

    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

    EVENT

    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!

    Dates

    Saturday 22 November

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

    Sunday 23 November

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

    Saturday 29 November

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

    Sunday 30 November (morning)

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

    Sunday 30 November (afternoon)

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

    Pricing

    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
    € 16,-

    Adults (from 13 years)

    This tickets includes:

    • A ride aboard the Sinterklaas Steam Train
    • Lots of treats from Sinterklaas and his Pieten
    € 16,-

    Toddler (up to 1 year old)

    This ticket includes:

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

    Please note: This ticket does not include a giftbag.

    FREE

    Practical Information

    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!

    EVENT

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

    Ride behind the 5508

    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.

    What’s on the rails?

    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)
    Buy your ticket
    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

    Narrow gauge- with visit to museum shed station Maldegem

    Smalspoor
    Departure10:3011:4513:3014:4015:5016:50
    Arrival11:2012:3514:2015:3016:4017:40
  • 14 September 2025 | Heritage Day

    14 September 2025 | Heritage Day

    EVENT

    Heritage
    Day
    14 September 2025
    Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo

    Experience Heritage Day at Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo.

    On Sunday, 14 September, Open Monuments Day celebrates the theme “In Style!”. At Maldegem station, the work of architect and designer Henry Van de Velde (1863–1957) comes alive. His influence is visible in the railway heritage and in the buildings that have found a new life today.

    Join our guided walks

    Join an experienced guide! Along the way, you’ll learn about the history, craftsmanship, and hidden stories about Henry Van De Velde.
    We depart from our station. Join one of our walks:

    • 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
    • 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
    • 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM

    What to discover?

    The Goods Shed
    Designed in 1934 by railway architect Paul Nouille, a collaborator of Henry Van de Velde, the goods shed now houses the architecture studio AIKO. Normally closed to the public, the doors open exceptionally for guided visits between 13:00 and 17:00 – a rare opportunity to see heritage reimagined for modern architecture.

    First-Class K1 Coach (1930s)
    In 1932, Henry Van de Velde was appointed artistic advisor to the Belgian National Railway Company (NMBS/SNCB). He applied his distinctive style to the interiors of the K1 coaches, from seating and luggage racks to lighting. This coach is part of the ‘Flemish Masters’ project by Tourism Flanders and the Public Art Collection of Flanders and will be presented to the public.

    Discover more heritage

    For those wishing to explore further, the heritage train runs between Maldegem and Eeklo, making it easy to visit other monuments and heritage sites in the region. The train journeys are ticketed, and the timetable is available on this page.

    Buy your tickets online
    Blue timetable
    DieseltreinStoomtreinDieseltreinStoomtrein
    Maldegem11:0012:3014:1515:45
    Balgerhoeke11:1512:5014:3016:05
    Eeklo NMBS
    Arrival: platform 3    		11:3013:1514:4516:30
    Eeklo NMBS
    Departure: platform 3    		12:0013:3015:0016:40
    Balgerhoeke12:1513:5015:1517:00
    Maldegem12:3014:1015:3017:20
    Narrow gauge train:
    11:45*, 12:40, 13:30*, 14:20, 15:40, 17:30*

    Dieseltrein Diesel railcar

    Stoomtrein Steam train

    * These narrow gauge trains only operate up to the museum shed.

  • Train Mania 2025

    Train Mania 2025

    EVENT

    #TrainMania25
    19 – 26 July 2025 & 11 – 16 August 2025
    Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo

    Summer camp with a railway twist

    Discover the fascinating world of old and new trains at Train Mania 2025.

    This summer, Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo is organising two unique Train Mania youth work weeks for every (aspiring) train enthusiast aged 14 to 22.

    But that’s not all. Participants also work on the railway with both historical and modern ways and assist the team in restoring old (steam and diesel) trains. There is also an opportunity for participants to experience what it’s like to operate a diesel train during an introductory driving session. In addition, the programme includes excursions offering behind-the-scences look at modern railways, along with plenty of time for relaxation and social activities.

    During these weeks, the participants receive an extensive introduction to the world of trains, from their history to their technical aspects. Our guides share numerous facts and insights with with great expertise.

    This is a truly hands-on week where historical techniques meet modern tools. No prior technical knowlegde is required – just a healthy dose of curiosity and interest.