Het Miljoenenlijntje (The Million railway)

A classic Schienenwagen supplements the steam train timetable

A classic Schienenwagen supplements the steam train timetable

Simpelveld

The most expensive railway in the Netherlands

Simpelveld - The name 'Miljoenenlijntje' ("Million railway") is derived from the high construction costs of this railway line between Schin op Geul and Kerkrade in the most-southern part of the Netherlands. Costs were one million guilders (approximately € 455,000) per kilometer. Compared to the billions of euros costing Betuwe railway line and the high-speed railway from Amsterdam to Paris, this was a pittance, but in the early nineteenth century it was an astronomical amount of money.

Increasing construction costs

The construction costs of the railway line were so high because quite a few tunnels, bridges and culverts had to be built. In addition, all construction works had to be made extra sturdy in connection with possible subsidence by the local mining industry. Huge amounts of soil also had to be moved to bridge height differences.

No more commuters

On the original route of the Miljoenenlijntje, Valkenburg - Kerkrade - Heerlen, no regular train service has been running since 1988. Fortunately, the disused railway line has been restored and a (steam) train of the "Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij" (ZLSM) runs regularly.

Potter along through South Limburg

In winter the train only runs on Sundays, in the rest of the year on Sundays and Wednesdays. Instead of the steam train, a so-called 'Schienenwagen' is often used to complete the timetable. A nice little red train where you can watch over the driver's shoulder during the ride.

Railway stations along the Miljoenenlijntje

Schin op Geul / Wijlre-Gulpen / Eys / Simpelveld / Spekholzerheide / Kerkrade center and Simpelveld / Bocholtz / Vetschau.
Boarding is possible at all stations (without reservation).

Het Miljoenenlijntje (The Million railway) photo gallery


What do visitors say about Het Miljoenenlijntje (The Million railway)?

Simpelveld trips in the area

    Adress and visitor information

    Het Miljoenenlijntje (The Million railway)

    Address: Stationstraat 22
    Postal code and City: 6369 VJ  Simpelveld
    Province/Region: Limburg
    Web: Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij

    Visit: An average visits takes approx. 2.5 hours.
    Please check opening times & admission charges before visiting.

    Let op: The locations on the map are indicational. It is not always the entrance, parking lot or best route. The map shows up to 8 locations in the area. Want to see all locations? Check our Hotspot map or use the Search option on this website.


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