The Harz Mountains by Rail

Beneath the wooded hills and timbered towns of northern Germany, every journey reveals a new wonder – from medieval streets and open plateaus, to the quiet beauty of forested valleys. Discover the colourful old town of Wernigerode, sweeping views across Hexentanzplatz, and the cool depths of an ancient limestone cave. Travel by narrow-gauge railway and cable car to the top of the Brocken and explore the winding streets of the UNESCO-listed towns of Goslar and Quedlinburg.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel to Germany
Train from St Pancras to Brussels and then onwards to Düsseldorf via Cologne. Transfer on foot to the hotel for check-in, and welcome drink.

Day 2: Dusseldorf - Hannover - Goslar - Wernigerode
Travel by train to Hannover, then continue by coach to to the historic city of Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some 1500 half-timbered
buildings, the largest number in Germany. Enjoy free time to explore its medieval charm and watch the famous clock display before heading to Wernigerode, your base in the Harz Mountains. Evening dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Wernigerode
Morning guided walking tour of Wernigerode, attractively situated at the confluence of two rivers with steep narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses. These are topped by its fairytale castle, remodelled in the Baroque style in the 19th century, which is now a museum housing an impressive art collection and offering lovely views over the town and surrounding mountain scenery. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.

Day 4: Train to Brocken
Ride the scenic Harz narrow-gauge railway to the summit of the Brocken, the region’s highest peak. Enjoy panoramic views and time to explore before returning to Wernigerode.

Day 5: Thale - Hexentanzplatz
Visit the Baumannshöhle, one of Germany’s oldest show caves, with stunning stalactite caves and amazing rock formations. Next, ride the cable car with 360 degree views from Thale to the Hexentanzplatz, offering stunning views of the valley below.

Day 6: Blankenburg - Alexisbad - Quedlinburg
Today takes us first to the charming market town of Blankenburg for a guided tour of the Old Town and Baroque Palace Gardens. We then continue the spa town of Alexisbad to board the quaint Selke Valley railway, one of the region’s best-kept secrets, which winds through dense forests and mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Quedlinburg, one of the best-preserved medieval and Renaissance towns in Europe. Highlights include the Collegiate Church of St Servatius dating back to the 11th century. Later we visit the Harzer Liqueur Manufactory for a tour and tasting. Return to Wernigerode by coach.

Day 7: Back to Dusseldorf
Transfer to Hannover for return train to Düsseldorf. After check-in, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city’s riverside promenade, shops, or museums.

Day 8: Departure
Transfer on foot from the hotel to Düsseldorf Station for return train to Cologne and then onwards to Brussels. Continue from Brussels by Eurostar to St Pancras.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion. 

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers. 

Tour Grading: Please note that this tour is graded as moderate due to the number of trains included on the itinerary, and the activities included on the tour including some walking tours. You will need to manage your own luggage on and off the trains. Please note that the hotel in Dusseldorf is 5-10 minutes walk from the station, with no coach provided. Please visit the mobility page on our website for further information, or call our team prior to booking if you have any questions.

INCLUDED

• Return train from St Pancras to Brussels on Eurostar, and connecting train to Dusseldorf via Cologne
• Two nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Holiday Inn The Nius Tab, Dusseldorf, based on shared occupancy of a twin room
• Five nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the HKK Hotel, Wernigerode, based on shared occupancy of a twin room
• One dinner
• Coach transfers as per the itinerary
• Train travel as per the itinerary
• Touring and admissions as per the itinerary
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Holiday insurance
• Double room for sole use supplement - £210
• Meals other than those stated
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Holiday Inn The Nius Tab, Dusseldorf – 2 nights
Just a 10-minute walk from Düsseldorf Central Station, this four-star hotel is stylish and modern and in the heart of the city, and offers a restaurant, bar and terrace with views of the park. The modern bedrooms include private bathroom, TV, WIFI, air-conditioning, safe, and hairdryer.

Hotel Website

HKK Hotel Wernigerode – 5 nights
This four-star hotel is located 100 metres from the Old Town in the heart of Wernigerode, a picturesque town in the Harz Mountains of Germany. As well as two restaurants and a bar, the hotel offers comfortable bedrooms with modern amenities.

Hotel Website

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