Day 1 afternoon: an original experience museum
From recent historical heritage to a pig walk, Meetjesland has much more in store than you might think. Choose from the following highlights:
A ride on the steam train
The Steam Centre in the former Maldegem train station has the largest collection of running steam and diesel trains in Flanders. Fred, for example, a 1923 shunting locomotive that ran on British lines for many years. Or Yvonne, at over 125 years old the country's oldest still-running steam locomotive.
Can you imagine yourself roaring through the countryside in one of those authentic steam trains? You can do just that! From May to late September, you can simply order a ticket for a ride Maldegem-Eeklo and back, on an old diesel locomotive or an authentic carriage of the Orient Express. Velvet sofas, curtains, lights, stylishly decorated compartments ... You will feel like Hercule Poirot. Complete the experience with an exclusive Orient Dining Express programme. On board the steam train, you will be served a typical Meetjesland menu, served by renowned delicatessen and caterers.
Back to WWII
Have you always been fascinated by World War II? Adegem is home to the Canada Poland War Museum, dedicated entirely to the heroes of the liberation. The mobilisation, occupation and victory over the Nazis are depicted with more than 300 dolls with full uniforms, weapons and broadcasting equipment: a unique private collection at European level. The Maple Leaf section displays battles of WWII in miniature, with thousands of soldiers, tanks, weapons, vehicles, cannons etc. It took 7 years to recreate everything exactly.
If you feel like visiting in person the locations where the war was fought, you can join the museum's Battle Tour - an exclusive tour of the Flemish and Zeeland warfields, with an expert guide. Afterwards, you can chat in the impressive historic setting of tearoom The Canadian. Highly recommended!
The Pig whisperers
Oosteeklo residents are mockingly called pigs by neighbouring communities. And these days, they are proud of it. So much so that around the site of the castle and 13th-century abbey, you can take a Pig tour - individually or with a guide. The signposted tour starts at the castle in Kloosterakkerstraat. There are 17 signs and all kinds of artwork by locals with a nod to the monastic past and the nickname of the people of Oosteeklo. You will learn the story of the pig in our language, in religion, the food chain and art. You will also get a great view of the Cistercian Abbey, whose history dates back to the 12th century. There are regular guided tours of the monastery (usually in groups). You can make a booking here.
Day 1 afternoon: an original experience museum
From recent historical heritage to a pig walk, Meetjesland has much more in store than you might think. Choose from the following highlights:
A ride on the steam train
The Steam Centre in the former Maldegem train station has the largest collection of running steam and diesel trains in Flanders. Fred, for example, a 1923 shunting locomotive that ran on British lines for many years. Or Yvonne, at over 125 years old the country's oldest still-running steam locomotive.
Can you imagine yourself roaring through the countryside in one of those authentic steam trains? You can do just that! From May to late September, you can simply order a ticket for a ride Maldegem-Eeklo and back, on an old diesel locomotive or an authentic carriage of the Orient Express. Velvet sofas, curtains, lights, stylishly decorated compartments ... You will feel like Hercule Poirot. Complete the experience with an exclusive Orient Dining Express programme. On board the steam train, you will be served a typical Meetjesland menu, served by renowned delicatessen and caterers.
Back to WWII
Have you always been fascinated by World War II? Adegem is home to the Canada Poland War Museum, dedicated entirely to the heroes of the liberation. The mobilisation, occupation and victory over the Nazis are depicted with more than 300 dolls with full uniforms, weapons and broadcasting equipment: a unique private collection at European level. The Maple Leaf section displays battles of WWII in miniature, with thousands of soldiers, tanks, weapons, vehicles, cannons etc. It took 7 years to recreate everything exactly.
If you feel like visiting in person the locations where the war was fought, you can join the museum's Battle Tour - an exclusive tour of the Flemish and Zeeland warfields, with an expert guide. Afterwards, you can chat in the impressive historic setting of tearoom The Canadian. Highly recommended!
The Pig whisperers
Oosteeklo residents are mockingly called pigs by neighbouring communities. And these days, they are proud of it. So much so that around the site of the castle and 13th-century abbey, you can take a Pig tour - individually or with a guide. The signposted tour starts at the castle in Kloosterakkerstraat. There are 17 signs and all kinds of artwork by locals with a nod to the monastic past and the nickname of the people of Oosteeklo. You will learn the story of the pig in our language, in religion, the food chain and art. You will also get a great view of the Cistercian Abbey, whose history dates back to the 12th century. There are regular guided tours of the monastery (usually in groups). You can make a booking here.