Unusual stay in a former train station
Presentation
Practical information
Unusual stop on one of the most beautiful greenways in Belgium, line 38.
In the province of Liège, this station has not seen a wagon pass by since 1962, yet it continues to inspire dreams.
Typical of late 19th-century Belgian stations, it boasts a proud appearance with its scalloped cornices and arched windows. Already in the 1980s, an extraordinary collector acquired it with the aim of transforming it into a museum of line 38 and reviving railway tourism. He purchased wagons and even had a new track laid, known as the Walter Ley track.
At that time, John Degée, a native of the municipality, regularly passed by the station on his bike, dreaming of one day becoming the "station master." His wish came true in 2006 when he and his wife Mireille became the proud owners.
Composed of three parts, one wing with a flat roof was dedicated to the station master's family, a central volume with offices on the ground floor and bedrooms upstairs, and a left wing providing access to ticket counters and waiting rooms for 2nd and 3rd class passengers.
Nine months of work were enough for the La Gare brewery to welcome its first customers in the "office" section of the station master. And in front of the wooden ticket counters—which now serve as storage—the bar.
Platform no. 1, the wagons are motionless but not abandoned. Cyclists and lovers of the region have made it their usual spot. Spartan atmosphere in these World War II wagons where everything from the bunks to the sinks is authentic. You sleep in the hospital wagon from the 40-45 war (up to 22 people). For meals, you board a 1930 postal wagon.
The best part? Sharing as a group the experience of a truly unique night. Combine it with a hike on the line 38, a greenway reserved for walkers, riders, and cyclists. Over 40 km, this former railway line crossing the Pays de Herve (previously connecting Chênée to Plombières) is now part of the RAVeL network (a network of routes reserved for slow, non-motorized users).
In the province of Liège, this station has not seen a wagon pass by since 1962, yet it continues to inspire dreams.
Typical of late 19th-century Belgian stations, it boasts a proud appearance with its scalloped cornices and arched windows. Already in the 1980s, an extraordinary collector acquired it with the aim of transforming it into a museum of line 38 and reviving railway tourism. He purchased wagons and even had a new track laid, known as the Walter Ley track.
At that time, John Degée, a native of the municipality, regularly passed by the station on his bike, dreaming of one day becoming the "station master." His wish came true in 2006 when he and his wife Mireille became the proud owners.
Composed of three parts, one wing with a flat roof was dedicated to the station master's family, a central volume with offices on the ground floor and bedrooms upstairs, and a left wing providing access to ticket counters and waiting rooms for 2nd and 3rd class passengers.
Nine months of work were enough for the La Gare brewery to welcome its first customers in the "office" section of the station master. And in front of the wooden ticket counters—which now serve as storage—the bar.
Platform no. 1, the wagons are motionless but not abandoned. Cyclists and lovers of the region have made it their usual spot. Spartan atmosphere in these World War II wagons where everything from the bunks to the sinks is authentic. You sleep in the hospital wagon from the 40-45 war (up to 22 people). For meals, you board a 1930 postal wagon.
The best part? Sharing as a group the experience of a truly unique night. Combine it with a hike on the line 38, a greenway reserved for walkers, riders, and cyclists. Over 40 km, this former railway line crossing the Pays de Herve (previously connecting Chênée to Plombières) is now part of the RAVeL network (a network of routes reserved for slow, non-motorized users).
Gare Hombourg
Rue de la Station 52-58
4852 Hombourg, Belgique
Tel : +32 474 17 34 53
From 20 EURRue de la Station 52-58
4852 Hombourg, Belgique
Tel : +32 474 17 34 53
Pricing details
Rates 2019, €20 per night per person + €75 for cleaning and charges.⊹ 22 bunks in a 1950s wagon, €20 per person per night. Showers and toilets in the sanitary block of the 1850 station.
⊹ 13 spacious rooms for 36 people in the Gite (4 ears), €1900 for 36 people for 4 nights.
The banquet hall of the old station is rented from €350 to €800 per week depending on the dates.
Please note, large parties - such as student parties or bachelorette parties - are not allowed.
Note: All prices are provided for informational purposes only and must be confirmed directly with the establishment.
Comments
30 minutes from Liège and Maastricht, 1 hour from Namur
