Steam Train Maldegem-Eeklo: a working heritage railway in Belgium

Steam Train Maldegem-Eeklo, previously known as Steam Centre Maldegem, is a heritage railway association based at the former NMBS station of Maldegem, in northern Belgium. Unlike a static railway museum, this is an operating heritage line where historic locomotives and carriages actually run on real track, giving visitors a hands-on encounter with the region's railway past.

What is Steam Train Maldegem-Eeklo?

The organisation is built around the preservation and operation of historic railway equipment, with the former NMBS station building in Maldegem serving as its base. From this station, volunteers and technical staff maintain the rolling stock and organise the services that run out onto two distinct lines — one standard gauge, one narrow gauge.

What does the standard gauge line to Eeklo offer?

The association operates a standard gauge line connecting Maldegem to the nearby town of Eeklo. Both steam and diesel trains run on this route, meaning a single visit can expose travellers to more than one era of railway technology on the same stretch of track. The journey between Maldegem and Eeklo recreates the kind of regional rail connection that once linked smaller towns across northern Belgium before road transport took over.

What about the narrow gauge line to Donk?

Alongside the standard gauge route, Steam Train Maldegem-Eeklo also runs a 600 mm narrow gauge line from Maldegem to Donk. This narrower line follows the course of a former railway that once continued on to Bruges, one of Flanders' most recognisable historic cities. The narrow gauge connection to Donk predates the standard gauge service — it was the original line operated by the association before the wider-gauge route to Eeklo was added.

Why is 1989 a key date?

1989 marks the year the standard gauge line to Eeklo was introduced, supplementing the narrow gauge line to Donk that the association already operated. This expansion effectively doubled the range of experiences on offer: the shorter, narrower-gauge route tracing part of the old line toward Bruges, and the longer standard gauge route to Eeklo served by both steam and diesel traction.

Why visit Steam Train Maldegem-Eeklo?

This is a destination for railway history enthusiasts, but it also works well for families looking for an unusual day out in the East Flanders countryside. Having two separate lines — standard gauge to Eeklo and narrow gauge to Donk — means a single trip can cover more than one chapter of Belgian railway heritage. Crucially, the trains here are not static exhibits: they are kept in working order and actually travel the historic routes, which sets the site apart from conventional indoor railway museums.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the railway start from? From the former NMBS station building in Maldegem, in northern Belgium.

Which routes does it operate? Two: a standard gauge line to Eeklo, served by steam and diesel trains, and a 600 mm narrow gauge line to Donk that follows part of the former line to Bruges.

Which line is older? The narrow gauge line to Donk predates the standard gauge line, which was added in 1989.

What was the association previously called? Steam Centre Maldegem.

What kind of attraction is this? A working heritage railway run by an association dedicated to preserving and operating historic trains, rather than a static museum display.