I turned 45 in June. I have this tradition – when possible – of not being in Belgium for my birthday. From Sweden in 2013 to the Châteaux of the Loire Valley in 2014, Lake Orta in 2015, Rome in 2016, London in 2018, North Carolina and Virginia in 2019, England in 2022, and Rotterdam…
Tag: Luxembourg
NMBS / SNCB: International train travel continues to grow in popularity among Belgian holidaymakers
International rail travel is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Belgians heading abroad during the summer holidays, according to new figures from NMBS / SNCB. Belgium‘s national railway operator says bookings for international journeys continue to rise, supported by an expanding network that now offers connections to more than 6,000 destinations across 15 European countries.
TGV 9870 Brussels – Strasbourg to be extended to Basel
According to railway observers and fans on Het Grote Belgische Trein Forum (The Big Belgian Train Forum), the SNCF-operated TGV 9870 from Brussels in Belgium to Strasbourg in Alsace, France, will be extended to Basel in Switzerland. This would happen from the mid-December timetable update.
DENDERMONDE – PUURS | Scheldeland in Stoom celebrates 40 years of museum line 52
The Dendermonde-Puurs Steam Train or Stoomtrein Dendermonde-Puurs organisation will host the 18th edition of Scheldtland in Steam (Scheldeland in Stoom) on Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July 2026. This year’s event marks a special milestone: 40 years of operation on museum line 52.
European Parliament approves new regulation to upgrade cross-border railway capacity coordination
The European Parliament has given its final approval to the Regulation on the Use of Railway Infrastructure Capacity in the Single European Railway Area, a landmark decision set to transform rail transport across the continent.
8.7 billion rail trips in Europe in 2024 as Switzerland is best of class and Belgium’s data remain unavailable
In 2024, Europe’s rail networks experienced unprecedented demand, with passengers embarking on 8.7 billion trips, accumulating a total of 444.5 billion passenger-kilometres. This surge marked a new record, eclipsing the previous peak of 400 billion passenger-kilometres set in 2019.
European aviation braces for jet fuel shortage amid geopolitical crisis
European airlines and the European Commission are preparing for a potential jet fuel shortage that could ground flights across the continent. The crisis, already causing fuel restrictions in Italy, is raising alarms across Europe, with warnings that a systemic shortage could become a reality if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
BELGIUM | Steam Train Festival returns to Maldegem with anniversary celebrations and restored railway link
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…
Belgian Mobility Minister wants to revive direct train service to Switzerland
Belgium’s federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) wants to make a direct train connection between Belgium and Switzerland possible again, Gazet van Antwerpen and Het Nieuwsblad report. In his latest policy note, Minister Crucke argues that a direct rail link is necessary and says he intends to give instructions to prepare a relaunch of…
BELGIUM TRAVEL STATS | France, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany most popular destinations in 2024
Triggered by a press release by Germany Travel, aka the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), aka Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus (DZT), let’s have a look at the most recent available travel statistics from travellers living in Belgium.