Steam Train Festival
Stoomtreinfestival rond het eeuwfeest van locomotief 'Bebert', met zeven actieve stoommachines en ritten naar Eeklo in historische rijtuigen.
Celebrate heritage rail history with family-friendly steam train rides and locomotive exhibitions—a niche but high-engagement experiential event for heritage tourism and local community activation.
- Step back in time: ride historic steam trains and explore century-old locomotives at the Stoomtreinfestival
- Family adventure alert: heritage rail journeys to Eeklo in authentic vintage carriages
- Rail enthusiasts unite: seven active steam engines and living history at one festival
The Steam Train Festival kicks off the 2026 train season at Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May, offering a weekend full of moving steam locomotives, historic trains and activities for all ages. The festival, titled Steam Locomotion 2026, takes place at the museum station in Maldegem, where visitors will be able to experience historic steam trains up close. Steam trains have been running from Maldegem as living heritage for 40 years, and this milestone will be reflected in an expanded programme.
- Seven operational steam locomotives on display and in service with rides between Maldegem and Eeklo
- Special guests: Belgian AD.09 (75 years old), German locomotive 'TOM', narrow-gauge 'Peter Pan', iconic Belgian Class 55 diesel 5538
- Carriage 'SR2 Bar-Dancing' where you can dance inside while traveling
- Celebration of 100 years of the steam locomotive 'Bébert'
- Narrow-gauge steam train rides, railway fair, LEGO trains, miniature trains, and exhibitions
- Catering terrace with views of the activities, bar onboard trains, refreshments