The Pilgrims’ journey began a lasting connection across the Atlantic, one that KLM has proudly continued for 106 years. As the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name, KLM has played a key role in linking the Netherlands and Europe with the United States. As part of the Air France-KLM Group and in Joint Venture with Delta Air Lines, KLM carries millions of passengers each year between Europe and the US, serving a network of fifteen US destinations. These connections support the economies and prosperity on both sides of the ocean.

A rich Leiden history

Villa Rameau, now home to the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, has a storied past. The Pilgrims’ first harvest festival here, inspired by the Relief of Leiden, eventually became what Americans know as Thanksgiving, a tradition still honored every year at the Pieterskerk. Later, the Rameau family, residents of the house, played a crucial role in the local resistance during World War II. This spot in Leiden stands for perseverance in turbulent times and forging new bonds, values KLM holds dear.

About the Delft Blue Houses

Since the 1950s, KLM has given Delft Blue houses filled with Bols Dutch Gin as gifts to World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights. These miniatures represent special buildings from the Netherlands and beyond and are beloved collectors’ items. Since 1994, the number of houses matches KLM’s age. Each year on October 7, KLM’s birthday, a new house is added to the collection. The annual KLM house is a tribute to places that connect the Netherlands with the wider world.

Beautiful, romantic setting
The castle-like station building was designed by architect Jacob Enschedé in early English Gothic Revival style, with corner towers and battlements, which was in keeping with the preferred style of the sumptuous spas for which Valkenburg is famous. The station was taken into operation almost 170 years ago, on 23 October 1853, as a stop on the first international rail link between Maastricht and Aachen. Fully restored in 2005, the station has continued to fulfil an important infrastructural role for the town of Valkenburg aan de Geul, which attracts tourists from all over the Netherlands and beyond.

Top three favourite stations in the Netherlands
According to a station experience monitor run by NS Dutch Railways and ProRail, Valkenburg Station is among the top three favourites in the Netherlands, based on scores given by passengers last year. KLM chose to add the station to its collection partly to celebrate the important role that railways have always played in the accessibility of the Netherlands. KLM is striving to make broader use of air-rail options.

The station is part of the building's collection of NS Dutch Railways and ProRail, consisting of 50 stations that each have their own unique architectural character, which is worth retaining and making accessible to the public.

Third Delftware miniature house in Limburg
The station in Valkenburg aan de Geul is the third building in the province of Limburg that KLM has added to its collection of Delftware miniatures. Presented in 2001, Miniature No. 82 is a replica of Huys op de Jeker located at No. 5 Bonnefantenstraat in Maastricht, while No. 84, presented in 2003, is a replica of De Oude Munt Tavern located at No. 7 Muntpromenade in Weert.

About KLM’s Delftware miniatures
Since the 1950s, KLM has presented Delftware miniature houses filled with Bols Jenever to its World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights. These replicas of classic Dutch houses with a special history are prized collector’s items. Since 1994, the house numbers have kept pace with KLM’s age, with a new miniature being added to the collection every year to mark KLM’s anniversary on 7 October.