Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij

About the museum

In spring 1975, a group of railway enthusiasts laid the foundation for the Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij. In that same spring, the first carriages and the first steam locomotive were refurbished. Since then the VSM has been run by a large number of skilled volunteers who maintain locomotives, passenger carriages and goods wagons and pass on their knowledge to younger people through in-house training.

The trains run on the Koningslijn, a line more than a hundred years old between Apeldoorn and Dieren, running between the Veluwe and the IJssel valley. Today it no longer serves everyday traffic but is a special attraction. Stops include Apeldoorn, Beekbergen, Loenen and Eerbeek.

The heart of the living railway museum is the Museumstation Beekbergen with the Museumstoomdepot: an extensive collection of vehicles, a large workshop, an old station building with an authentic staff room, turntable, mobile coal crane, water cranes, semaphore signals and manually operated level crossings. The collection includes steam and diesel locomotives from German and Dutch series, and carriages such as the "Oostenrijkers" with open platforms, the Dutch "Blokkendozen" from the 1920s, and luxury carriages from Wagons-Lits and Mitropa, in which people dine and celebrate.

Highlights

• Steam train rides on the Koningslijn Apeldoorn–Dieren
• Museumstoomdepot Beekbergen with turntable, coal crane and semaphore signals
• Historic carriages: Oostenrijkers, Blokkendozen, Wagons-Lits and Mitropa
• Steam and diesel locomotives from German and Dutch series
• Packages with lunch on the train, pancake lunch and Sinterklaas Express
• Wheelchair-accessible ride thanks to a lift in the carriage

Permanent exhibition

• Museumstoomdepot Beekbergen – Tour through the depot, workshop, turntable and station building with a large collection of historic railway equipment.

Founded

1975

Operated by

Stichting VSM (Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij)

Admission & discounts

The day ticket is valid for the green and blue timetables including free admission to the Museumstation Beekbergen. Advance online purchase recommended; tickets also at Beekbergen station or from the conductor (payment by PIN only, no cash). The Museumkaart is not valid.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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

Step-free platforms; one carriage has a wheelchair lift (up to 350 kg), so rides are possible from every station. Larger groups of wheelchair users should register in advance (tel. 055 506 19 89). The Museumstoomdepot partly has historic clinker paving, so you need more time. Dogs are allowed on the train (except on culinary packages, where only assistance dogs are allowed).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Special children's fares (up to age 3 free) and family activities such as the pancake lunch, the Sinterklaas Pepernoten-Express (with gift) and Christmas rides.

Getting there & parking

Postal address: Rijnstraat 68, 7332 AX Apeldoorn. Check connections at 9292.nl.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Dining car on the train for small snacks and drinks; on some days also catering in the Beekbergen station building and lunch packs to pre-order. Lunch packages with a menu on the train.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Steam or diesel train including on-board kitchen (lunch, high tea, buffet) can be hired for private celebrations or corporate events, see also stoomtrein.org/zakelijk.

Plan your visit