Steam Trail

The Viking Outdoor Steam Trail begins with participants boarding a rented steam train at Station Dieren in the Netherlands, then running back after the journey. Viking Adventure Sports organizes the event on a Saturday in August, accommodating approximately 600 participants. The day commences at the sports hall on Burgemeesterbloemerstraat in Dieren, where runners collect their start numbers before a five-minute walk to the platform. Coffee is available early, and the train departs in the morning exclusively with trail runners aboard. The train travels on the single-track VSM line from Dieren towards Apeldoorn, making stops for various distance groups to disembark and commence their routes back to Dieren. Available distances include 15K, 25K, 35K, and 45K; some event materials also indicate a 50K, so participants should verify current route details prior to registration. Eerbeek is one of the stops, approximately a 30-minute journey from Dieren, and Beekbergen also serves as a drop-off location. The unique atmosphere is integral to the event: the sound of hissing steam, whistles, conductors closing old wooden doors, the interior of the carriages with wooden benches, and runners capturing memories with photos, sharing laughter, and discussing trail strategies before the run begins.