Industrieel Smalspoor Museum

About the museum

The museum grounds are part of a moorland area in the south of the municipality of Emmen that was opened up for peat extraction by Amsterdam entrepreneurs from the mid-19th century. Around 1900 the Griendtsveen company took over operations and produced mainly peat litter from the peat. Until 1983, peat was processed into litter at the site in Amsterdamscheveld; narrow-gauge field railways served as the main means of transport.

After operations ceased, the Industrieel Smalspoor Museum was established there in 1984 on an area of around six hectares. Two buildings are protected as a Rijksmonument: the peat litter factory (“Fijnfabriek”), the only one in the Netherlands still preserved in its original condition, and the four-bay locomotive shed from 1910, which formerly served as a workshop.

The collection includes narrow-gauge locomotives, wagons, tools and photographic material. On tracks with gauges of 600, 700 and 900 millimetres, visitors ride in a circular tour through the moorland landscape, which lies in a nature reserve with many bird species and in the UNESCO Global Geopark De Hondsrug. The museum is run by volunteers and supplements its operations with family offerings such as the children's train with an engine driver's diploma, a water play area and evening walks with a night ride in late autumn.

Highlights

• Narrow-gauge train ride through the moor, with commentary from the engine driver
• Peat litter factory (Fijnfabriek) as a Rijksmonument, the only one in the Netherlands preserved in its original condition
• Four-bay locomotive shed from 1910 with a collection of narrow-gauge locomotives
• Children's train where children drive a locomotive themselves and receive an engine driver's diploma
• “Waterspoor” water play area and restaurant in the museum building

Permanent exhibitions

• Turfstrooiselfabriek (Fijnfabriek) – The only peat litter factory in the Netherlands still preserved in its original condition; it is part of the guided tour after the circular ride.
• Locomotievenloods uit 1910 – Four-bay locomotive shed as a Rijksmonument, where the collection of historic narrow-gauge locomotives can be seen.

Founded

1984

Admission & discounts

Included in the price: narrow-gauge train ride, visit to the workshop and peat litter factory, engine driver's diploma for children and a drink. Free with Museumkaart. On Thursdays in July and August Grandparents' Days: grandparents pay less, grandchildren are free.

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

The museum buildings are wheelchair accessible, and an accessible toilet is located in the main building. Paved areas are easy to navigate, unpaved areas only to a limited extent. Wheelchair users can board the carriages of the train; during the tour of the peat litter factory they usually stay on the train, as the walk is difficult for people with walking impairments. Dogs are welcome on a lead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

On the children's train, children drive a small locomotive themselves and receive an engine driver's diploma; the “Waterspoor” water play area invites children to play. Children's birthday parties can be booked; in October there is a children's programme on weekends.

Getting there & parking

By car about 10 minutes from the A37, exit 5 Emmen-Zuid.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant in the museum building with lunch menu, coffee, cake, poffertjes and ice cream; museum shop with its own museum items and toys.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit