This 19km branch line of the HSB/Harzer Schmalspurbahnen runs from Drei Annen Hohne to the summit of the Brocken. It first became a popular way of travel when the line came into service on the 27th March 1899.
This popularity continued for many decades until the line from Schierke onwards was closed to tourists on August 13th 1961. This was due to the restricted zone orders imposed by the Russians and the East German (DDR) Government.
The journey is an atmospheric one. Passengers are eager to find window seats whilst camera carrying passengers find vantage points out on the swaying carriage outer decks. The engine works hard up the hillsides as the train winds through the forests and around the curves. Some of these are big and others are very tight.
As the journey opens out from the tight packed forests there are wonderful views, including those westward to the Wurmberg hillside and towards Torfhaus. The journey is even more fascinating and beautiful in winter.
Read more about the Railway here.
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