Harz Narrow Gauge Railways – Brocken Line
Brockenbahn (Harzer Schmalspurbahnen)
Ride a meter-gauge steam train from Wernigerode up the winding track to the Brocken summit. It's the most iconic experience in the Harz.
The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways is one of Europe's largest meter-gauge steam railway networks, with about 140 km of track, and it still runs mainly on steam locomotives. The Brocken line departs from Wernigerode station, passes Drei Annen Hohne and Schierke, and spirals up the mountain to Brocken station at 1,125 meters above sea level. The one-way trip takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. A round-trip ticket costs about €60 (check the official website). In peak season, book online and arrive early. A popular plan is to take the train up, hike down the trail to Schierke, and catch the train back. Seats on the left side of the carriage have the better views.
Opening hours
Several departures daily, first around 08:30 (check the HSB timetable)
Nearby sights
- Wernigerode Old Town & Town Hall
- Wernigerode Castle
- Rübeland Caves (Baumann's Cave & Hermann's Cave)
- Ilse Valley & Heinrich Heine Trail
- Titan-RT Suspension Bridge & Rappbode Dam
- Regenstein Castle Ruins
- Blankenburg Castle & Baroque Gardens
- Brocken