The 'STAR' acronym refers to the original Stadskanaal-Ter Apel-Rijksgrens railway company.
The line utilizes authentic steam locomotives that date back as far as the early 1900s.
It is one of the few places in the Netherlands where you can observe active shunting and track maintenance performed with vintage machinery.
The track runs over several operational historic drawbridges that are manually operated for the trains.
The station master's office and waiting rooms at Stadskanaal have been restored to reflect the functional style of the 1920s.
The railway operates on a section of the former 'NOLS' (Noord-Oosterlocaalspoorweg-Maatschappij) network.
Museumspoorlijn STAR is the longest museum railway in the Netherlands, operating historic steam trains across the Veenkoloniën landscape. The line stretches 26 kilometers between Stadskanaal and Veendam, utilizing track that was once part of the Groningsch-Drentsche Spoorwegmaatschappij. The Stadskanaal station serves as the central hub, housing a significant collection of restored locomotives and heritage carriages. Visitors can experience authentic 1950s-era rail travel with conductors in period-correct uniforms. The route traverses the distinct peat-colony topography, including drawbridges and rural Dutch farmland. Maintenance and restoration work is performed on-site by a dedicated team of volunteers and specialists. The station grounds feature an authentic depot layout reflecting the early 20th-century railway aesthetic. It remains a functional piece of industrial heritage rather than a static display.
The pedestrian bridge overlooking the Stadskanaal depot tracks provides a panoramic view of the arriving steam trains.
Book your seats in advance via the official website during high-season events to guarantee a spot in the vintage carriages.
Check the 'Steam Calendar' on their website to determine if your visit coincides with steam traction or diesel heritage days.
Walk around the depot area at Stadskanaal station to see the locomotives undergoing maintenance if the doors are open.
Do not wander onto the tracks or into restricted depot zones without explicit volunteer guidance.
Operations are primarily seasonal, running on selected days between spring and autumn, with specific themed events during winter; the site is not open for public train travel on most weekdays.
Dress for comfort and bring sturdy footwear, as station platforms and depots are industrial environments with uneven surfaces.
