The Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo heritage railway has announced a packed programme of events for the coming autumn, featuring steam and diesel train rides, heritage activities and special events for families.
The programme begins on 30 August with Grandparents’ Day. Children can join their grandparents for a journey on an authentic steam or diesel train between Maldegem and Eeklo. Traditional games will be organised on the platform and on board the trains, while children under 11 travel free when accompanied by their grandparents.
On Sunday 13 September, the railway will participate in Belgium’s Open Monuments Day, whose 2026 theme is ‘In good hands‘. The railway’s station site in Maldegem will be open free of charge, while historic train rides will be available for a fee.
A particular highlight will be the protected railway bridge over the Schipdonk Canal, on the border between Maldegem and Eeklo. The bridge forms part of the canal’s protected cultural-historic landscape and was fully restored in 2026. Visitors can take part in a free guided tour focusing on the bridge’s history, restoration and continued role.
On 20 September, the railway will stage a special day dedicated to its rolling stock. The programme includes two steam train journeys, one railcar journey and two trips hauled by diesel locomotive Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo, presented in its TUC livery. A special timetable will operate throughout the day.
The railway will return to Eeklo on 4 October for the Kaaifeesten and what it describes as Flanders’ largest flea market. More than 1,100 stalls and around 30,000 visitors are expected. Travellers can take the steam train from Maldegem to Eeklo, avoiding the need to find parking near the event.
The same day will also be the railway’s final operating day of 2026 and will feature a Lego Day, aimed primarily at children and grandchildren, although the organisers acknowledge that adults may enjoy it too.
Meanwhile, restoration work on heritage vehicle WR2982 is progressing, with the first coats of paint now being applied. The railway says a more extensive photographic update will follow in a future newsletter.
The popular Orient Dining Express is also continuing to operate. All September and October departures are already sold out, with bookings for the November programme opening on 25 September.
Looking further ahead, the railway has scheduled its Sinterklaas trains for 21, 22, 28 and 29 November. Tickets for those services will go on sale on 1 October.
The railway advises visitors to buy tickets online in advance where possible to avoid queues at the ticket office.
Heritage and other special trams and trains in Belgium
- 100 YEARS OF NMBS / SNCB | Centenary train visits Schaerbeek (29–30 August), Liège (12–13 September) and Antwerp (10–11 October).
- NAMUR | Fête du Rail 2026 on 15 and 16 August in the Bocq Valley.
- 4-5 JULY 2026 | Scheldeland in Stoom festival celebrates 40 years of museum line 52.
- BELGIUM | Steam Train Festival returns to Maldegem with anniversary celebrations and restored railway link.
- Aachen Christmas Market Trains from Vilvoorde / Antwerp / Lier / Hasselt and Braine-le-Comte / Mons / Charleroi-Central / Namur on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December 2025.
- Pride Express links Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp to WorldPride Amsterdam on 1 and 2 August 2026.
- BELGIUM | Rollout of The Rolling Tables dinner train experience delayed.
- The Rolling Tables dinner train experience in Belgium from 1 August 2025 and in the Netherlands from 1 November 2025.
- BELGIUM | Le Chemin de Fer du Bocq heritage railway reopens on 14 June 2025.
- BELGIUM | Fête du Rail at Rétrotrain, Saint-Ghislain.
- BELGIUM | Dendermonde – Puurs Steam Railway.
- PHOTOS | AM66 ‘Klassiekje’ / ‘Classique’ Farewell Ride at Antwerp-Central Railway Station.
- Farewell to the NMBS / SNCB AM66 ‘Klassiekje’ or ‘Classique’.
- Plans for a steam train heritage service between Brussels and Mechelen shelved.
- RIDE & DINE | Orient Dining Express by Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo.
- RIDE & DINE | Brussels Tram Experience.
- Riding the Kersttram or Christmas Tram in Antwerp.
