Category: Events 2026

  • 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.