The annual Steam Train Festival in Maldegem in East Flanders by Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo is fast approaching, with organisers reporting that preparations are in full swing ahead of the 2026 edition. The museum site is being readied, rolling stock is undergoing final maintenance, and a full promotional campaign is underway, as the team aims to match…
Tag: Heritage
BELGIUM | Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo presents 2026 heritage runs season ft. Balgerhoeke Bridge
Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo has scheduled a busy 2026. One of the most visible highlights will be the Balgerhoeke Bridge, which will regain its former splendour following a thorough renovation. The first train to cross the renewed bridge is scheduled to be the Valentine’s Orient Dining Express. Further details are outlined below.
LIÈGE | Boulet sauce lapin and the Public Transport Museum of Wallonia
April 2025. For the first time since 1968, trams ride on the streets of Liège (Luik, Lüttich). Belgium has now five cities with trams: Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi and now Liège. And, of course there’s the Coast Tram or Kusttram in West Flanders, with 67 km the longest tram line in the world. Danny and…
Flanders continues post-pandemic tourism revival with the help of its beers
Belgium may be small in size, but it is unquestionably big in beers. With more than 3,000 unique brews, the country’s reputation as a world leader in beer culture is secure, and Flanders is increasingly turning that heritage into a tourism driver.
27 SEPTEMBER 2025 | Farewell Tour for ‘Benelux’ Intercityrijtuig (ICR) coaches in the Netherlands and Belgium
On Saturday 27 September 2025, a special heritage train will operate across the Netherlands and Belgium to mark the approaching withdrawal of the last Intercityrijtuig (ICR) coaches from regular service.
Open Monuments Day, 14 September 2025, in Antwerp: Discover the city’s sacred sites
On Sunday 14 September 2025, the 37th edition of Open Monuments Day will take place. With the theme ‘In Style!‘ this year’s programme highlights remarkable buildings in a wide range of architectural styles.
BELGIUM | Le Chemin de Fer du Bocq heritage railway reopens on 14 June 2025
“Reprise des circulations régulières dès le 14 juin.” Resumption of regular traffic from 14 June. With this short sentence, Christian from Le Chemin de Fer du Bocq (CFB) communicates this heritage railway in the province of Namur finally reopens after some much-needed engineering works.
GREAT BRITAIN | Network Rail tests steam locomotive with digital ETCS safety system
April 2025 has seen the start of testing at speed for the world’s first operational steam locomotive to be fitted with European Train Control System or ETCS technology. Tests are being done by Network Rail, the railway infrastructure (the tracks) in Great Britain. So England, Scotland and Wales. Not Northern Ireland.
ANTWERP | Royal Palace on the Meir relaunched as exclusive event location
The Palace on the Meir or Paleis op de Meir, located in the heart of Antwerp’s busiest shopping street, is being relaunched as an exclusive event location. Managed by heritage organisation Herita, the historic city palace will now be available for a range of events, including conferences, networking receptions, weddings, corporate functions and pop-up catering.
Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo steam train ready for 2025 season
The Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo heritage steam train is preparing for the new season. It is still quiet on the track, but the workshops are buzzing with activity. All rolling stock, locomotives and coaches, are on hand and are not in use.