RTM-Trammuseum

About the museum

For more than half a century, the Rotterdamsche Tramweg Maatschappij (RTM) was the most important transport company on the islands of South Holland and Zeeland: with steam and diesel trams, buses, and ferries, it carried passengers, livestock, farm produce, and building materials across a network of around 235 kilometers. After the North Sea flood of 1953, the tram lost its importance; in February 1966, the last line between Hellevoetsluis and Spijkenisse ran for the final time.

That same year, railway enthusiasts saved the rolling stock of the last Dutch interurban steam tram operation from the scrapyard and founded the present-day foundation. For a long time, the vehicles stood outdoors in difficult conditions at the tram harbor in Hellevoetsluis, until the association moved to the foot of the Brouwersdam near Ouddorp in 1989.

There, a dedicated museum line was built step by step: to Port Zélande in 1996, and later via Middelplaat-Haven to Scharendijke at the other end of the dam. After several construction phases lasting until the mid-2010s, the museum now has a large exhibition hall, a depot with a workshop, and a station building designed in historical style.

The collection includes steam locomotives, motor cars, wooden and steel passenger coaches, mail and freight cars, as well as RTM buses and boats. An exhibition on the upper floor tells a hundred years of company history, and model railway layouts show how the line used to operate. Since its founding, the museum has been run entirely by volunteers, who restore the vehicles and keep the trams running.

Highlights

• Rides on historic steam and diesel trams through the dunes and across the Brouwersdam to Scharendijke
• Depot and large hall with vehicles of the Rotterdamsche Tramweg Maatschappij
• Exhibition on a hundred years of RTM history with model railway layouts
• Rail & Rondvaartdag: a tram ride combined with a cruise on the Grevelingenmeer aboard a boat from 1959
• Operated and restored entirely by volunteers

Founded

1966

Operated by

Stichting v/h Rotterdamsche Tramweg Maatschappij

Admission & discounts

2026 prices. The museum-only ticket and the Dagkaart (day ticket) are available on site only; tram and combination tickets can also be bought online (e-ticket with QR code).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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 has elevators and an accessible restroom. A special tram car is available for passengers in wheelchairs if you call one day in advance. Dogs on a leash are allowed everywhere.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly

Children under 4 ride and visit the museum for free; the conductor loads strollers onto the tram.

Getting there & parking

By car via the N57, exit Grevelingenmeer, then exit “De Punt West”. Bicycles can be taken on the tram. Transfer from the cruise boat from Den Osse is possible.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum café (“Restauratie”) serving coffee and croquette rolls, with allergen-free or vegan options on request; museum shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit