Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo

About the museum

Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo, formerly Stoomcentrum Maldegem, began in the 1980s as the dream of a few railway enthusiasts. Their association grew into the largest collection of heritage railway equipment in Flanders, with steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and historic carriages.

Today the steam and diesel trains run again over part of the former railway line 58 between Maldegem and Eeklo. The carriages date from the 1930s and have wooden benches and seats in velvet or leather, with the original sliding windows and no air conditioning. Alongside the standard-gauge trains there is a narrow-gauge line on the station grounds.

The museum site at Maldegem station consists of the station building, the platforms and the workshop, where volunteers restore and maintain historic equipment. The whole organisation is carried by volunteers. In 2025 the association was recognised as an open heritage site.

Highlights

• Trips by steam train or diesel railcar from Maldegem to Eeklo
• Carriages from the 1930s with wooden benches and original sliding windows
• Narrow-gauge line on the museum grounds
• A look into the workshop and the station of Maldegem
• Largest heritage railway collection in Flanders
• Recognised as an open heritage site since 2025

Permanent exhibition

• Erfgoedspoorcollectie en museumterrein – Steam and diesel locomotives, historic carriages, the station building of Maldegem and a look into the workshop, with a narrow-gauge line on the grounds.

Operated by

vzw Stoomcentrum Maldegem

Admission & discounts

The all-in day ticket gives access to all trips with the standard-gauge train (steam train or diesel railcar), the narrow-gauge trips and the station grounds. You can buy your ticket online, at the counter in Maldegem station, or from the conductor if you board at Balgerhoeke or Eeklo. The prices on the website are indicative; the price at the counter or on the invoice applies. On event days, rates may differ.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Maldegem station is fully accessible to wheelchair users and the platform has a ramp. The historic carriages have high steps; a wheelchair lift helps with getting on and off. Inside the carriages it is too narrow to reach the seats by wheelchair: wheelchair users can stay in the space by the carriage entrance, or take a few steps to a bench. The station has an adapted toilet, accessible via a removable ramp. Assistance dogs and companion dogs are welcome; drinking bowls are available on the train, but dogs may not sit on the benches.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities

The youngest visitors are welcome. In Maldegem station there is a toilet with a changing table; the toilets in the carriages do not have one. Pushchairs do not fit through the narrow aisles of the historic carriages, but may come as far as the space at the entrance, where staff help to place them safely.

Getting there & parking

Maldegem can be reached from Bruges and Ghent via the N9, and from Aalter via the N44. Cyclists will find a covered, unattended bicycle shelter next to the bus stop, and the station is close to cycle junction node 10 of the Meetjesland.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

On the station square is the independent café-bistro De Statie, close to the route of the museum trains; the bistro itself advertises free Wi-Fi for its guests. The carriages have a toilet.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Private trips with the Oriënt Dining Express, extra trains for groups and the site as a photo and film location can be booked.

Plan your visit