In Entroncamento, railway history is something you can experience, not just observe: at the National Railway Museum, you can ride a draisine on the museum tracks. A ride on a manned model railway track is also among the activities described. Before your trip, check whether these rides are available.

Experience and understand railways

The two rides offer different experiences: on the draisine, you travel along museum tracks; on the model railway, you ride on a manned model railway track. If you are more interested in technology and the collection, you can choose between two themed tours. “On Board” covers steam locomotives, locomotive driver’s cabs, passenger carriages and wagons. “Locomotion” focuses on the technology and science of steam, electric and diesel vehicles. Both tours must be booked.

The museum also offers “Traincatcher”, a game in which you search the collection for clues, complete tests, answer questions and solve puzzles. This also requires a booking. The museum offers several ways to engage with railways: a ride on the tracks, a look at different vehicle technologies and a playful introduction to the collection.

The town’s history and designed buildings

Entroncamento began to develop around the junction of the Portuguese Northern and Eastern Railways towards the end of the 19th century. Railway settlements also emerged as part of this development. Bairro Camões is part of this railway history and was designed by Cottinelli Telmo and Luís da Cunha. The two architects also designed Escola Camões and the surrounding neighbourhood, drawing on garden city models. The school is closed; what remains interesting is the design concept, which extends beyond a single building to encompass the neighbourhood.

Other landmarks in the town’s architectural history reflect different periods and styles. Capela de São João Baptista was built in Casais das Vaginhas at the beginning of the 17th century. Its simple architecture features a single nave; it was reconstructed in 1982/83. Chafariz das Vaginhas, designed by Cottinelli Telmo, was inaugurated on 23 June 1933.

Two churches are also associated with specific dates and names: Igreja Paroquial do Entroncamento is dedicated to the Sagrada Família and was inaugurated in 1940. Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Fátima was inaugurated on 30 April 1995; it was designed by the architect João Sousa Lino. Another architectural transformation involved the former Mercado Diário building, which was restored between 1986 and 1991 for conversion into the Centro Cultural do Entroncamento.

Reservoir, recreational fishing and local cuisine

Albufeira do Bonito in Parque Verde do Bonito reveals another side of the destination. The reservoir is artificial and is fed by the Ribeira de Santa Catarina. Recreational fishing takes place there; booking arrangements may change, so check them when planning your visit. The shift from railway themes to water and landscape broadens the picture of the different interests that Entroncamento accommodates, without requiring you to follow a set itinerary.

Local cuisine is also part of the town’s character. Entroncamento is associated with açordas, baked cod with batatas a murro and feijoadas, as well as the sweet treats pão de-ló and tigeladas. Which of these you find during a visit depends on the restaurant.

Getting there by train

Entroncamento station has eleven passenger platforms or tracks. On weekdays, there are direct train services to Lisbon and Porto. Since timetables and connections may change, it is advisable to check the latest timetable before travelling. When choosing a hotel, you can weigh up cultural discoveries, the reservoir and your journey as different aspects of your stay in Entroncamento.

Discover more destinations: Entroncamento, Almeirim, Constância, Abrantes, Golegã, Ourém, Pego, Samora Correia.

Go to the main travel overview: Santarem.