Harz Mountains
Holiday brief
The Harz Mountains rise from the plains of central Germany and the region is
charming.
These forested, uplands are abundant with wildlife and have remained unspoiled
with delightful medieval towns and villages - at this time of year we may even
be treated to a backdrop of orange and gold. The area is served by a
comprehensive steam railway system that even climbs to the highest peak, on the
summit of Brocken.
Our itinerary has been developed over the years to take in not only the
abundance of steam highlights but also provide a feel for the region itself
utilising local rail, trams, mountain gondolas and even a visit to a castle.
Add to this the thrill of first-class travel between London and The Harz and it
all blends comfortably into a fantastic holiday set in a beautiful part of
Germany.
Stunning Stolberg (K Tindal)
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Thursday – We meet at St. Pancras International in time for an early afternoon Eurostar
departure to Brussels. Sit back and enjoy the first-class experience with a
meal served at your seat.
Here we connect into a fast train to Aachen for our overnight stay, arriving by
about 19.00 hrs.
Friday – Luggage goes forward by coach as we travel first-class ICE via Cologne to
Hanover and then into the Harz, arriving in Bad Harzburg.
We conclude an exciting days travel with the highlight of a steam train arrival
at our hotel in Alexisbad.
Saturday – This morning we travel around the Harz to the northern plains for the thrill of
a dramatic gondola or coach ride up the escarpment to a beauty spot with
panoramic views.
Time is allowed for a stroll around the picture postcard town of Quedlinburg. An
afternoon of steam and scenery follows on the Selketalbahn between Quedlinburg
and Hasselfelde ending up back at Alexisbad.
Sunday – Today we head south to the Lower Harz and visit Stolberg, the most picturesque
and historic town in the region.
On then by a most unusual rail journey to Klostermansfelde for narrow gauge
preserved steam on an extensive ex-mining railway before returning to Alexisbad
by coach and rail.
Monday – Our transfer day is luggage free and begins with the longest steam train ride
of the holiday between Nordhausen and Drie Annen Hohne - a spectacular journey.
In the afternoon we ascend the Wurmburg Mountain by gondola for splendid views
across to The Brocken and end up in medieval Wernigerode late afternoon.
Tuesday – Today heralds a true highlight of the holiday as we take the morning train for
the outstanding journey to the summit of The Brocken.
Options are provided to ensure you have as
OUR HOTELS
Aquis Grana City Hotel, Aachen
On both our outward and return journeys to the Harz we stay overnight in the
historic border city of Aachen. Our selected hotel has all the amenities we
need for comfortable, enjoyable, overnight stops. It
’s a modern establishment and ideally situated in close proximity to numerous
restaurants and the cobbled city centre.
Hotel Habichtstein, Alexisbad
This fine, four-star, hotel and restaurant is located in the tiny village of
Alexisbad. Nestled in a lovely, forested valley and opposite the steam railway
station. Alexisbad comprises of just a couple of hotels and restaurants, an
idyllic and peaceful location.
The hotel is very well appointed with a fine standard of cuisine and traditional
hospitality.
Hotel Weisser Hirsch, Wernigerode
The “White Hart” is in the main square of Wernigerode. A top class, four-star, hotel with superb restaurant and outside, the lovely
historic town square will undoubtedly be the architectural highlight of the
holiday.
much time at the summit as you need and then in the afternoon there is the
chance to visit the fairytale style castle overlooking Wernigerode.
Wednesday – This mornings activities are optional, though included, allowing the choice of
some free time to further explore Wernigerode or the opportunity of a trip out
to the forest for a superb photographic location.
In the afternoon we ride the trams of Halberstadt and complete the day with a “behind the scenes” tour of the steam railway’s works and depot in Wernigerode.
Thursday – Our luggage sets off to Aachen and we follow by rail, first-class, direct from
Wernigerode to Hanover and retrace the route via Cologne, with a break here and
a chance to visit the Cathedral.
Friday – Depart Aachen by rail to Brussels and connect into the Eurostar service,
first-class, with a meal once again, arriving in London mid-afternoon, to
commence homeward bound journeys.
Date & Price
Tour Ref: HM9/1
Thursday October 2nd (9 days)
£1079.00 based on €1.40 to the £
Price Variation
Single supplement £155.00
See booking conditions for currency
fluctuation clause
Brockenbahn
