Museum Buurtspoorweg

About the museum

The Haaksbergen–Boekelo regional line is one of the local railways built in Twente and the Achterhoek under the Dutch Local Railways Act (Lokaalspoorwegwet) of 1878. The driving force was the textile manufacturer Jan Willink from Winterswijk, who founded the Geldersch-Overijsselsche Lokaal Spoorweg (GOLS). The Boekelo–Enschede line opened in 1885; operations were always run by the Hollandsche IJzeren Spoorweg-Maatschappij.

The Museum Buurtspoorweg foundation was established on 21 February 1967. Its first acquisition was an old diesel railcar; in 1969 the Hanomag locomotive no. 4 became the first steam locomotive in running order. Over the years the collection grew to dozens of historic locomotives, carriages and other rolling stock. In 1985 the foundation acquired the station building at Haaksbergen, which is now the main site; in Boekelo it operates a depot with a workshop and a carriage shed.

On operating days a steam train connects the stations of Haaksbergen and Boekelo, with the Zoutindustrie halt in between. In the station and in the goods shed of 1884, visitors can experience the world of the local railway of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum expressly does not see itself as a "dusty" institution but as a living museum with working vehicles, hands-on activities and special trips, for example with the Wismar railbus.

Highlights

• Historic steam trains between Haaksbergen and Boekelo
• Goods shed of 1884 as a café, Haaksbergen station with museum shop
• Depot in Boekelo with locomotives and carriages awaiting restoration
• Wismar railbus and special trips such as "Machinist voor één dag" (Engine Driver for a Day)
• Hands-on activities for children, a play hut and a model railway in Boekelo

Permanent exhibition

• Sammlung historischer Lokomotiven und Wagen – Dozens of steam and diesel vehicles as well as carriages from the local railway era, some in running order, some in the Boekelo depot awaiting restoration.

Founded

1967

Operated by

Stichting Museum Buurtspoorweg

Admission & discounts

2026 season prices for a visit including the train ride (day ticket). Free with the Museumkaart and for premium donors with ID. A surcharge may apply during events. Dogs travel free of charge; bicycle transport is free at your own risk.

Accessibility

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

According to the website, the museum is wheelchair-friendly; a specially equipped carriage is available for wheelchair users. An accessible toilet was installed in Boekelo in 2016.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Children can shovel coal, punch their own tickets and discover railway history interactively in the Haaksbergen area; in Boekelo there is a play hut and a large model railway.

Getting there & parking

Two museum sites: Haaksbergen (Stationsstraat 3) and Boekelo (junction of Boekelosestraat/Dirk Papestraat, 7548 AR). Train tickets are valid for boarding at Haaksbergen, Boekelo and Zoutindustrie.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Goods shed in Haaksbergen with coffee, cake, ice cream and a terrace overlooking the train movements; in Boekelo a buffet in the form of an old steam locomotive. Museum shop in the Haaksbergen station building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Meetings in the goods shed of 1884, workshops or dinners in historic restaurant cars of 1929, exclusive hire of a private train or the entire museum for corporate and family events.

Plan your visit