Harz Explorer

Day 1 – High Speed to Aachen

Lunchtime Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi where we connect to a high-speed train to Aachen. Our hotel, Ibis Aachen am Marschiertor is found a short walk from the station and dinner this evening is included in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2 – Onwards to Wernigerode

Morning train to Cologne where we make a change to an ICE service to Hannover. After a stop to change trains, we join the regional network again travelling via Goslar to Wernigerode for a late afternoon arrival. Transfer to the Weisser Hirsch, our hotel for the next 4 nights, located in the picturesque Market Square.

Days 3 to 5 – Exploring the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen

We have included a 3-day Rover Pass for you to explore the 140km narrow gauge railway network as much as you like. A must is a visit to the top of the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains and in northern Germany. There are 11 trains a day which climb to the top of the Brocken, all steam hauled, and on a clear day you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the tree-lined hillsides and surrounding countryside. The Brocken was a look-out and “listening” post in Soviet days due to its commanding views across the West and today there is a museum at the summit telling the story of its role in the Cold War period. Quedlinburg, at the far end of the Selketalbahn, is well worth a visit. This UNESCO World Heritage town can be reached from Wernigerode by travelling over 97km on narrow gauge lines using the pass included, or 42km on standard gauge (at an additional cost). The town has many winding streets in which a large selection of half-timbered buildings crossing five centuries can be found. Nordhausen at the third extremity of the network combines the narrow-gauge railway with urban transport operated by trams including two HSB operated diesel/electric combination trams. The tour leader will be on hand to assist with timetable planning, to help you make the most of the three days and will keep an eye on the weather to advise on the best day to make the ascent up the Brocken.

Day 6 – South to Frankfurt

Transfer from the hotel to the station to board a morning train via Viennenburg and Braunschweig to Frankfurt. We are due to arrive early afternoon and, after checking into the Flemings Hotel Frankfurt Central, the afternoon is free to explore before a farewell dinner at the hotel (included). A local transport card is included for the local area.

Day 7 – Homeward Bound

After a leisurely breakfast we take the direct ICE along the high-speed line to Brussels where we change to the Eurostar to continue to London, arriving mid-afternoon.