Escape to a winter wonderland on the Czech border in Germany. Steam in the snow is so atmospheric, and in the Erzgebirge region it’s pretty much guaranteed at this time of year. Climb aboard the Erzgebirge Express for a winter break to remember.
Our adventure begins late morning at St Pancras International from where we travel by Eurostar to Brussels and on by international train to Cologne for an overnight stay close to the station and Cathedral.
A morning ICE train delivers us to Leipzig. Marvel at this Cathedral like station before we travel on to Chemnitz. One last change of train and we are on the Cranzahl branch line as far as Annaberg. This line is delightful as it winds down the valley, criss-crossing the river, and climbing into the Erzgebirge Mountain range.
A morning train to Cranzahl delivers us to the northern terminus of the Fichtelbergbahn. This steam railway runs all year round but is at its best in the winter months as views are clearer and the steam enhanced in the crisp mountain air. Our support coach will provide photographic opportunities during a full round trip. At Oberwiesenthal we will ascend the mighty Fichtelberg (4000ft) by gondola (or coach if you prefer). In the afternoon we are off to the nearby Pressnitztalbahn for more steam action in a wooded valley, following a babbling river, it's idyllic!
Our main focus today is the Museumsbahn Schoenheide. This is much more akin to a traditional UK preserved railway and winds its way through the fields and hills to a brush factory in the middle of nowhere - all great fun! But that's not all we have for you. We cannot leave the Erzgebirge region without a visit to Modellbahn Erzgebirge. Never mind Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, this is much more fun. It's the largest Gauge 1 layout in Europe and represents the local area and it's railways - on which you will have travelled. A close inspection reveals comic additions in the woods and through house windows - it really is unique fun..
We are using today as a travelling day to break the long journey home and make for a comfortable arrival time in London, but not before an action packed morning. With luggage aboard our support coach we once again enjoy the marvellous branch line up to Chemnitz. Here we take to the streets by tram ending up at the Chemnitz tram museum for a private opening. Back at the station we bid our coach farewell and board a local train to Leipzig, followed by an express to Frankfurt and an overnight at a hotel next to the station with a finale evening meal included.
A relaxed return journey aboard the morning ICE train to Brussels. A comfortable change to the Eurostar follows, seeing us arrive back in London mid-afternoon reflecting on a super wintry adventure.
So climb aboard and join our Erzgebirge Express this February. Guaranteed steam, guaranteed snow and guaranteed guarantees about steam and snow – what could be more certain – let’s have some fun!
Situated in the vibrant city center of Cologne, Germany, Marriott Hotel offers stylish accommodations near celebrated attractions. A plush 4 star, close to the station and Cathedral.
We overnight in each direction to break up the journey but for the bulk of the holiday are based on the town square in a very traditional 4 star, steeped in history. It is the ideal base to explore from and benefits from a number of local restaurants, if one fancies stepping out of an evening.