Nationaal Smalspoormuseum
Narrow-gauge railway museum on the Valkenburgse Meer with steam train rides, around 90 locomotives and indoor and outdoor museums near Leiden.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Nationaal Smalspoormuseum – known in everyday use as Stoomtrein Katwijk Leiden – lies on the Valkenburgse Meer near Leiden and is devoted to the narrow-gauge railway, a long-forgotten means of transport. At the end of the 1960s the remaining narrow-gauge equipment was in danger of disappearing; in 1970 the Nederlandse Smalspoorweg Stichting was founded and rescued locomotives and wagons from closed-down operations. From 1973 trains ran on the network of the Leidsche Duinwater Maatschappij in the dunes near Katwijk, in 1993 the collection moved to its present site, and in 1996 the museum opened.
The collection includes around 90 locomotives, mostly for 700 mm gauge, as well as wagons, tipper wagons, passenger coaches and draisines, plus some vehicles of the Gelderse Tram. In 2023 two Dutch-built steam locomotives from sugar factories on Java were added. The indoor museum was renewed in 2022; the outdoor museum, covering about 1.5 hectares, has a station, engine sheds and a workshop. On opening days a steam train runs around the lake, along with an open diesel train to the depot; an expansion into a hands-on discovery park for young visitors is planned.
Highlights
- Steam train ride around the Valkenburgse Meer
- Open diesel train ("Bankentrein") to the museum depot
- Around 90 narrow-gauge locomotives, including steam locomotives from Java
- Indoor museum (renewed in 2022) and outdoor museum covering 1.5 hectares
- Children's corner next to the Koffiecorner
Permanent exhibitions
- Binnenmuseum – The indoor museum, renewed in 2022, guides visitors through the history and uses of narrow gauge with objects, photos and play opportunities; Mr Oving, a dealer in narrow-gauge equipment from Rotterdam, welcomes guests.
- Buitenmuseum und Kerncollectie – The open-air area around the station shows steam, motor and compressed-air locomotives, wagons, machines and buildings of the narrow-gauge railway.
- Founded
- 1996
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €13.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €10.50free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 12 €10.50; children aged 0 to 3 free. |
| Groups | –Groups of more than 10 people must reserve (€25 reservation fee); up to 10 people no reservation needed. Outside operating days, other rates apply on request. |
The ticket is valid all day for the indoor and outdoor museums and both rides (steam train and open diesel train, about 30 minutes each). Free with Museumkaart (since 1 July 2022); the VriendenLoterij VIP card is not accepted. Pepernotenexpres and Oliebollenexpres only with reservation and a surcharge. Card payment preferred.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
Good access for wheelchair users; loan wheelchair available. A mobile ramp provides access to a carriage with a wide entrance, and the train staff will help. The exhibition on the first floor of the indoor museum can be reached by lift. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Playground / play area
Children's corner next to the Koffiecorner; events for the whole family. A hands-on discovery park for young visitors is being built in the outdoor museum.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Valkenburgse Meer (Bus 43)
Bus line 43 from Leiden Centraal and Den Haag Centraal (every 30 minutes) to the "Valkenburgse Meer" stop; from there a few minutes on foot across the car park.
By car
Free parking
Large free car park at the museum. If it is full, you can park free of charge opposite the Kwantumhallen (Voorschoterweg 45–47) and walk from there in 5 minutes along the track to the main entrance; do not go through the track gate.
The museum is located on the A44 near Leiden.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Koffiecorner between the trains (coffee, cappuccino, pastries, filled rolls, soft drinks, ice cream); Brasserie Buitenhuis by the lake as a separate restaurant. Smoke-free, except for the steam locomotives.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
- Weddings / ceremonies
The steam or diesel train can be hired in whole or in part (on operating days up to 50 seats, a compartment for 13 people or a carriage with 25 seats); official wedding venue of the municipality of Katwijk, with the possibility of the bridal couple arriving by steam train; catering via the museum or Brasserie Buitenhuis.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The rides each last about 30 minutes. For primary school and the lower years of secondary school there is a teaching pack "Lesbrief smalspoor" to download. |
