Steam locomotives scheduled to return to Heidelberg

Heidelberg residents can brace themselves for an unprecedented influx of tourists after Reefsteamers chairman Clive Holiday confirmed that a steam train carrying up to 350 passengers will be stopping at the Heidelberg Heritage Museum at the end of April.

This will be the first time since the late 90s that a mighty steam engine will make its way to Heidelberg.

Holiday said that following lengthy negotiations, Reefsteamers were granted permission by Transnet to make use of the railway lines from Johannesburg, adding that they had also received the blessing of the Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom who visited the newly refurbished station last month.

“The steam train will depart from Germiston and pick up passengers at Johannesburg’s Park Station before proceeding to Heidelberg,” Holiday confirmed.
“We are hoping to book the train trip for April 27. Tickets and more information will be made available on our website shortly.”

Also read Besigheidskamer besoek Heidelberg Heritage Museum

It takes approximately one hour for the steam locomotive to reach Heidelberg and once the passengers arrive here, they will be entertained at the Heidelberg Heritage Museum which boasts an all new train themed restaurant, craft beer brewery and a tourism information centre.

According to local entrepreneur and driving force of the newly established museum, Bouwe Wiersma, the challenge now lies with Heidelberg residents and businesses to ensure that the tourists have something to do once they reach their destination.

“We would like to encourage all businesses and tour operators to get involved in the marketing of Heidelberg,” said Wiersma who is hoping that various alternate activities/tours would be arranged in advance of this new chapter in the history of Heidelberg’s tourism industry.

Residents who would like to get involved can phone Wiersma on 082 671 6595.

Ticketing information for the steam train ride will be available at www.reefsteamers.com shortly.

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