With a steam locomotive through the mystical Harz Forest.
The Harz narrow-gauge railroads (HSB) operate the longest continuous narrow-gauge network in Germany. With 25 steam locomotives, 12 diesel locomotives and 137 passenger carriages, they offer a unique travel experience on 140 kilometers of track.
Three lines, one experience
The network consists of three lines:
Brockenbahn: The most famous line runs from Drei Annen Hohne to the 1,141-metre-high Brocken. The journey takes just under an hour and covers an altitude difference of around 600 meters.
Harzquerbahn: Connects Wernigerode in the north with Nordhausen in the south - right across the Harz Mountains. Total distance around 60 kilometers.
Selketalbahn: The most romantic route leads through the tranquil Selketal valley, past Falkenstein Castle.
Nostalgic travel
Some of the steam locomotives are over 100 years old and are lovingly maintained. The hissing of the steam locomotive, the smell of coal and the rhythmic rattling on the narrow-gauge tracks take you back in time. Particularly atmospheric: a trip through the snow-covered Harz forest in winter.
Starting point Osterode
From the Lindnerhof, you can reach the nearest HSB train station in Bad Lauterberg or Drei Annen Hohne in around 30-45 minutes by car. Trains depart regularly from there to the Brocken and through the Harz Mountains.
Tickets and planning
Online tickets for regular trains can be booked 3-4 weeks in advance. At weekends and during the vacation season, popular connections are quickly fully booked - it pays to plan early.
At a glance
Timetable: Year-round operation, timetable varies seasonally. Details: hsb-wr.de
Prices Brocken route: Adults 65 € (return) / 43 € (one-way). Children 6-14: 39 € / 26 €. Afternoon fare: 55 € (there+back).
Dogs: Large dogs €20 (return) / €13 (one-way). Small dogs in transport box free of charge. Muzzle compulsory.
Tip: Online tickets can be booked 3-4 weeks in advance. Booked out quickly at weekends.
The combination of the Brocken Railway up + hike down (or vice versa) is ideal. This way you can experience both: a nostalgic steam train ride and nature in the Harz Mountains. Getting on at Drei Annen Hohne saves time compared to Wernigerode.
More experiences in the Harz
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