Almost the entire railway network of the Netherlands is based on a gauge of 1,435 mm. There are several narrow-gauge railways in the Netherlands. Active narrow-gauge railways in the Netherlands are most often remnants of former brick railways and peat railways. Trains on the mentioned railway lines do not run regularly. Interrail tickets and state rail tickets are not valid. A separate tariffs applies.
Narrow-gauge railways in the Netherlands
Efteling Stoomtrein – narrow gauge railway in the Efteling amusement park near Kaatsheuvel. The narrow-gauge railway with a gauge of 600 mm runs on a 4-kilometer long route. The trains are pulled by steam locomotives.
Efteling Stoomtrein – a short note
Gelderse Smalspor Stichting – short rides around the narrow gauge railway museum in Heteren. The narrow gauge railway is located on the bank of the river on the site of a former brickyard. It runs on selected days; information can be found on the official website. If someone decides to visit the small museum and take the narrow gauge railway, they must take the bus no. 76 to Heteren from Arnhem, and from the center of Heteren walk two kilometers to the river flowing near the city.
Gelderse Smalspor Stichting – official website
Industriel Smalspoor Museum – short rides on the narrow gauge railway (former peat railway) at the Industrial Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in the village of Erica. The museum is open on selected days. The narrow gauge railway is located within the Geopark de Hondsrug nature reserve, known for its diversity of flora and fauna.
Industriel Smalspoor Museum – official website
Veenpark – in the open-air museum (Veenpark) in Barger-Compascuum, near Emden and the Dutch-German border, visitors can ride a narrow-gauge railway. The open-air museum itself is largely stylized as a Dutch village from the 1920s – peat was mined in the area in the past. The narrow-gauge railway with a gauge of 700 mm is a former peat railway, currently transporting visitors to the open-air museum. The biggest attractions include the drawbridge on the train route. The circular route is approximately 2 km long and the journey takes less than 20 minutes. The line used by the railway is a small part of the former peat railway network in the region.
Veenpark – official website
Leemspoor – a short narrow-gauge railway line on the outskirts of the Dutch town of Rijssen. The railway line and rolling stock previously served the local brickyard. Trips usually take place on selected Sundays. Tourists can also buy railway souvenirs. The narrow-gauge railway is a popular attraction among school trips.
Leemspoor – official website
RTM Museum Ouddorp – a noteworthy narrow gauge railway on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee near Rotterdam. It runs on an eight-kilometer route between Ouddorp and Mittelplatt stations. Trains run on Sundays and on selected days. Trains are usually operated by steam locomotives. This is the perfect route for a short trip close to the city, but away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
RTM Museum Ouddorp – official website
Steenfabriek de Werklust – a short line of narrow-gauge industrial railway on the site of the former brickworks museum near Losser.
Steenfabriek de Werklust – official website
Stoomtrein Katwijk Leiden – a picturesque narrow gauge railway line around of the Valkenburgse Meer on the outskirts of Valkenburg, near Leiden (approx 3 km) . Steam or diesel hauled trains, the ride takes 30 minutes. Visitors can see the museum depot also. The museum and narrow gauge railway initially operated in Katwijk. In 1992 the railway and rolling stock were moved to Valkenburg.
Stoomtrein Katwijk Leiden – official website
Related articles:
Train travel in the Netherlands
Heritage railways in the Netherlands
Railways in Europe by country