Discover the Harz Mountain Train to Brocken Peak, a historic steam railway offering breathtaking views of the Harz National Park. Journey to the summit of Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany, and experience a unique adventure steeped in history, nature, and charm. Perfect for nature lovers and train enthusiasts alike! ()
Whether you are a fan of the nostalgic trip to visit Santa in “The Polar Express” or the comedic mishaps on the way to Thanksgiving in “Plains, Trains and Automobiles,” wintertime often conjures images of chugging across snowy terrain. And what better way to dip into the feels than by riding a scenic steam engine to the local Christmas market?
The Harz Mountains of eastern Germany are a quintessential wintery forested wonderland sprinkled with charming fairytale villages of half-timbered homes and cobblestone streets.
From the town of Wernigerode, the Harzer Schmalspur Bannen (HSB) offers numerous scenic train rides through the snowy mountains. The company manages a 140.1-kilometer historic narrow gauge railway network and operates a fleet of 25 steam locomotives and some diesel engines along the mountain routes. The oldest locomotive of the bunch is from 1897. Train enthusiasts can visit the historic workshop in Wernigerode, which is still used today to maintain the company’s fleet. For smaller train lovers, there is a fun train-inspired playground outside. Basic entry is free, while guided tours are offered for a fee.
1. Harzquerbahn
The Harzquerbahn travels from Wernigerode through the steep Dräng Valley, across the Benneckenstein plateau and down into woodlands on its way to the city of Nordhausen. The Christmas market of Nordhausen is a large event with over 1,000 wooden stalls stretching through the area from the Rathaus to Nikolaiplatz. It includes a fun model railroad based on the local train system and a walk-in witch’s house, reflecting regional legends.
Nordhausen’s Christmas markets are open Nov. 29 to Dec. 21, 2024.
Experience the Harz Mountain Train in winter, a steam-powered adventure through snow-covered landscapes to Brocken Peak. Enjoy breathtaking views, frosty forests, and a charming ride through the winter wonderland of the Harz National Park. Perfect for winter enthusiasts and train lovers! (REGINE BAEKER - Adobe Stock)
2. Selketalbahn
The Selketalbahn is the longest route and traverses the rugged rocky foothills of the mountains and the small villages along the way. The beauty of this route is that is connects you to numerous other villages; many have single-weekend Christmas markets which make great destinations. Throughout the season, it’s worth taking the entire trip to the other end of the line in Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage town, known for its 2,100 half-timbered 800-year-old homes. On the first three Advent weekends, a selection of homes open their courtyards to host unique micro-markets. The Selketalbahn acts as a spur route and is accessed from a station halfway along the Harzquerbahn.
The Quedlinburg market runs on weekends from Nov. 27 to Dec. 22, 2024.
Discover the magic of Quedlinburg at Christmas, a UNESCO World Heritage town filled with enchanting half-timbered houses, twinkling lights, and a festive holiday market. Experience the cozy charm, seasonal delicacies, and unique Advent traditions in this winter wonderland. (dk-fotowelt - Adobe Stock)
3. Brockenbahn
The final Brockenbahn route is the highlight of many people’s visit to the Harz Mountains. Circling the snow-covered mountain on a bright red train conjures images of travelling to Santa’s workshop. At 1,141 meters high, there are expansive views across the mountains from the Brocken peak. There is a visitor center, restaurant and high-altitude hotel at the top. This out-and-back train route from Wernigerode is a beautiful day out and gives you plenty of time to visit the village’s Christmas market when you return to the valley. Wernigerode has a festive atmosphere as the colorful, pristine medieval buildings and hilltop castle are decked out in twinkling lights and greenery. Two markets are joined by a pleasant pedestrian-only shopping street, one in the central Marktplatz and a second in Nicolaiplatz.
In 2024, the Wernigerode markets will be open from Nov. 22 to Dec. 22.
Wernigerode castle in winter (Oliver Henze - Adobe Stock)
Brocken mountain peak (Markus Mainka - Adobe Stock)
The HSB also has special experiences like a Santa Claus train, a ride up the Brocken for Christmas brunch, whisky or chocolate tasting trips and special New Year events.
These are limited, so it’s best to visit the website at www.hsb-wr.de to book ahead.
