Harz Mountains Winter Wonderland

DAY 1

We depart London St Pancras by Eurostar, speeding across Kent and towards France. Our Eurostar terminates at Brussels, where we change onto the German rail system, reaching our hotel in Wuppertal, the Fleming's Express Hotel, for one night.

DAY 2

Today we journey on the unique 'Schwebebahn' suspended monorail - Wuppertal's landmark. The railway dates from the early 1900's and floats high above the River Wupper covering 20 stations (only 4 of which run above solid ground!). Afterwards, we will rejoin the German rail network continuing to Hannover and onwards to Wernigerode, where our hotel for five nights is the HKK Hotel.

DAY 3

Our excursion today takes us by regional railway to the historic and charming town of Goslar, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site boasting more than 1,500 exceptionally well-preserved half-timbered buildings. We enjoy a guided walking tour through this former Free Imperial Town which became the seat of the German Emperor, learning of the 1000-year history and discovering the many crooked, cobble-stoned streets in the gorgeous Old Town with its fascinating atmosphere of liveliness coupled with peacefulness.

DAY 4

Today we journey to our second UNESCO World Heritage Site at Quedlinburg which is widely considered one of the best examples of a medieval town and the Collegiate Church, which overlooks the town, is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. From Quedlinburg we take the narrow-gauge Selketalbahn through the romantic Selke Valley and wintry forests to Alexisbad where we will settle into the cosy atmosphere of a local gasthaus to enjoy a light lunch before making the return journey.

DAY 5

This morning, we enjoy an exhilarating ride aboard the Brockenbahn, a steam-hauled journey from Wernigerode through wintry landscapes up to the highest peak of the Harz region. At 1,125m altitude, Brocken Station is the highest narrow-gauge station in Germany and offers a breathtaking panorama of the Harz National Park. We enjoy these beautiful views from the warmth of the restaurant before returning to Wernigerode.

DAY 6

After breakfast, we enjoy the day at leisure in Wernigerode and have the chance to explore this pleasant Harz town, affectionately referred to as the 'Pearl of the Harz', with its attractive market square and picturesque town hall. We can stroll around this quaint town with its timber-framed houses or take a trip up the hill to Wernigerode Castle, a stunning and romantic castle in the baroque style of architecture. A fond favourite of the Railtrail Tour Managers is Bar Altora, located near to the railway station, which has a miniature railway that delivers your drink to your table... a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon!

Day 7

Bidding farewell to Wernigerode, we return via Hannover and Cologne to Brussels where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner