SCENIC TRAIN
Journey by steam through the beautiful Harz mountains on the magical Brocken Railway and visit Hanover on this exclusive self-guided tour YOUR ITINERARY
One of the world’s most thrilling vintage steam train rides, it takes an hour and 40 minutes to reach Brocken’s summit, which, at 3,743 feet, is the Harz Mountains’ tallest peak and home to Brockenbahnhof, Germany’s highest narrow-gauge railway station.
Slowly chuffing along, you will have plenty of time to admire the snow-capped mountain scenery complete with fairytale forests, streams and medieval villages. The summit is also famously known as the centre for witches’ revelry in Goethe’s Faust.
It’s a unique steam-hauled journey, which promises to be the highlight of this new five-day self-guided tour, exclusive to Country Living readers, of a beautiful and unspoilt part of Germany.
With dates available in September this year as well as in May, June and July 2021, this is the perfect European break to look forward to. You’ll be based for the first three nights in the charming town of Wernigerode, which boasts one of Germany’s most romantic hilltop castles, the beautifully baroque Wernigerode Castle. You’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding area as well as spend a day and night in Hanover, thought to be one of Germany’s most underrated cities.
OUR TRAVEL PARTNER
TS Tours Ltd, SPECIALISING IN BESPOKE AND EXPERT-LED TOURS, IS WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FRED.\HOLIDAYS, WHO OFFER TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS TO INSPIRING DESTINATIONS.
THE HIGHLIGHTS RIDE THE HARZ RAILWAY
This unique narrow-gauge railway has three interconnecting lines extending just over 140 kilometres and serving 48 stations, which criss-cross the former border between Germany’s East and West.
It’s Europe’s longest railway network with a daily steam operation and there are more than 400 bridges with steep gradients and countless tight bends around the narrow valleys, as well as panoramic views from Brocken mountain’s peak.
THE POWER OF STEAM
There’s nothing quite like stepping back in time to travel aboard a vintage steam train. The sound of the engine’s whistle will evoke memories of a bygone age.
EXPLORE NORTH GERMANY
You will have plenty of time to go walking in the beautiful Harz Mountains National Park and visit fascinating former East German villages such as Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved medieval town in the country, or see Palace Sondershausen, the impressive former residence of Schwarzburg counts and princes.
DISCOVER HANOVER
The capital of Lower Saxony has a stunning New Town Hall, which amazingly survived the Second World War when 96 per cent of Hanover was destroyed. There are also plenty of metre-long sausages and lively beer gardens to enjoy.
BEING SELF-GUIDED
Enjoy the freedom of travelling independently, without the pressure to join group tours. Spend your time how you wish and enjoy exploring this beautiful region on your own steam, by steam…
STAY IN WERNIGERODE
Affectionately referred to as the ‘pearl of the Harz’, this stunning medieval town boasts a picturesque hilltop castle, which looks down on Wernigerode’s idyllic cobbled streets full of halftimbered houses, such as the quirky, leaning Crooked House.
DAY 1
DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 WHAT’S INCLUDED
Return flights from London Heathrow to Hanover with regional flights available on request at a supplement Three-night stay in a three-star hotel in Wernigerode One-night stay in a four-star hotel in Hanover Breakfast each morning Journey on the Brocken Steam Railway
Return rail journey from Hanover to Wernigerode