Tour Ref: HW7/1
Menu
The very best destination for steamy scenes and snowy vistas is the Harz Mountains in Germany. Picture steam trains thundering through snowy, still forests, sausages and schnapps. We’re coming for all of that and more with the best steam railway experience there is – anywhere in Europe.
We’re off - from London on the lunchtime Eurostar to Brussels and then onwards to lovely Aachen for an overnight stay at the centrally located Aquis Grana Hotel. Enjoy an evening in the cobbled heart of this historic place.
Our journey to the Harz is completed using both ICE and Regional Express trains to arrive in Wernigerode in the afternoon. We check in to the Weisser Hirsch and you can either take it easy or join in a guided walking tour to get to know this wonderful town.
We’re off to explore the lesser visited Selketalbahn (Selke Valley Railway) today. This “quieter” part of the network has steep gradients and sharp curves within the rocky, forested, landscape. The pound up from Gernrode is a certain highlight whether sat in one of the comfortable heated carriages or hanging off the balcony. Our support coach offers excellent photographic opportunities and we know all the best spots. We also include lunch today as we are somewhat off the beaten track.
The longest journey one can take across the Eastern Harz by train is from Wernigerode to Nordhausen on the Harzquerbahn (Trans-Harz Railway). In Nordhausen we have time to play with the trams before heading to Klostermansfeld for a privately hired train on the Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn. Photo’s,, friendly fun with our pal Thomas, and perhaps a Gherkin or two with another included lunch!
The Harz is great for railways of course but there is so much more to see. Expect some sightseeing in charming towns (Quedlinburg has UNESCO world heritage status), a witch’s hideout, photo opportunities in the woods and maybe even a ramble – great variety and great fun!
As highlights go today is quite literal. We’re off to the summit of The Brocken, completing our explorations of the entire Harz network. We’ll devise a flexible itinerary that will allow for independent travel downhill so that one can make best use of the intensive timetable.
Our return journey to the UK is achieved in one day via Hanover and Cologne to Brussels and then Eurostar to London arriving early evening – all very relaxed.
Our base when we are in the Harz is the excellent Weisser Hirsch Hotel in the heart of medieval Wernigerode. This four-star has beautifully appointed rooms, welcoming staff, a pleasant bar and fine restaurant. It is among the very best hotels we use, anywhere. The town is an absolute joy in which to stay as well, brimming with half-timbered buildings, cosy restaurants, and our hotel overlooks the stunning town square with its imposing town hall.
