For three days, the historic harbor area and the waters of Dordrecht will serve as the backdrop for hissing steamboats, rumbling steam trains, and gleaming vintage cars. It’s a weekend where the technology of the past and the innovation of today come together. “Dordt in Stoom” shows that tradition, heritage, and modern technology go hand in hand.
The spectacular opening
Friday evening, May 29, marks the moment many residents of Dordrecht have been looking forward to: the impressive Fleet Review. Between 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., mighty steamships from the Netherlands and abroad, tugboats, and modern sailing heritage vessels will form a long parade along the Groothoofd and the Merwekade. The patron of “Dordt in Stoom,” Mayor Nanning Mol, will watch from the paddle steamer De Majesteit. Each boat sounds a steam whistle to De Majesteit and to the mayor. It’s an impressive and atmospheric spectacle that marks the start of the event!
A day out for the whole family
What makes Dordt in Stoom so special is the warm and personal atmosphere on the quays. Music can be heard everywhere, from the shanty choir to cheerful (steampunk!) street performers, and along the quays are food courts run by local businesses offering delicious snacks and drinks. Visitors of all ages can discover how technology worked in the past and how innovation is applied today at the international model-building show, the ships, historic city buses, and steamboats. Everywhere you go, you can ask questions, look around, learn, and experience things firsthand. On Saturday evening, atmospheric lighting on ships and buildings creates an even more special experience.
Come aboard yourself
Visiting Dordt in Stoom itself is free, but do you want to really experience its history? With the popular Steam Tour, you can combine three nostalgic experiences on a single ticket: on land, on the rails, and on the water. Ride along on the steam locomotive, sail on ships, check out the impressive model-building show, and take a ride on vintage city buses. The tour lasts about three hours and gives you a complete picture of the event.
Bookmark the website www.dordtinstoom.nl for tickets to the Steam Tour and the full program. This weekend, you won’t just want to see it—you’ll want to truly experience it!
