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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Harz Mountains Christmas Markets

Six-day Harz Mountains Christmas markets and Brocken Railway from London

Illustration of Harz Mountains Christmas Markets

Great Rail Journeys operates this six-day escorted tour through Germany's Harz Mountains, departing London in November or December 2026. The journey begins with an Eurostar Plus Standard Class crossing from London St Pancras to Brussels, then continues by train through Cologne to Hanover before coach transfer to Wernigerode, a medieval town of half-timbered buildings dating to the 9th century. Based in a single four-star hotel, you explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Wernigerode itself, Quedlinburg with its Romanesque church and medieval Old Town, and Goslar with over 1,500 half-timbered houses. The centrepiece is a journey aboard the historic Brocken Railway through snow-covered forests of the Harz National Park to the summit of Brocken Mountain. A UK Tour Manager leads the group throughout, and all guided tours and most meals are included. Day 4 is free to pursue optional activities such as the narrow-gauge Harz Railway or a visit to the nearby aircraft museum.

What to know before you look closer

  • The group can be as large as 30 people; confirm current group size when booking.
  • Day 4 is free; the itinerary does not mandate a guided activity, though optional railway rides and a museum visit are suggested.
  • A single supplement of GBP 100 (from GBP 1,599 vs. GBP 1,499 double) applies; this is modest but worth noting for solo travellers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Wernigerode

    London to the German town of Wernigerode

    Your festive holiday starts at London St Pancras where we meet our Tour Manager to join the Eurostar to Brussels. We continue to Hanover via Cologne, where we are transferred by coach to Wernigerode. A charming town with elaborate half-timbered buildings, Wernigerode dates back to the 9th century and is overlooked by its stunning castle. At this time of year, it's brilliantly illuminated and adorned with festive decorations. We gather this evening for our first group dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Wernigerode

    Wernigerode and a journey on the Brocken Railway

    After breakfast this morning, we experience one of the highlights of the holiday. A wintry journey aboard the Brocken Railway takes us through snowy forests to the summit of Brocken Mountain, part of the impressive Harz Mountain range. The Brocken Railway weaves a scenic route through the Harz National Park up to the summit of the Brocken. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views of Brothers Grimm-style forests, quaint station houses and frozen rivers. After some free time at the summit to admire the views, we return to Wernigerode to explore its traditional Christmas market. There's time to relax before dinner this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wernigerode

    World Heritage Quedlinburg and its Christmas Market

    Our rail excursion today takes us to Quedlinburg, one of Germany's best-kept secrets where we enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town. Quedlinburg's Old Town has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, due to having one of the best-preserved collections of medieval buildings in Germany, including its Romanesque church. Quedlinburg has a rich history and culture with some Art Nouveau architecture. In winter, the town's authentic German Christmas market is held in the Rathaus square, or Marktplatz. After the tour, there is time to explore independently, where you can get some lunch or a mug of hot spiced wine or brandy punch as you soak up the festive atmosphere and browse the colourful stalls.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Wernigerode

    A day at leisure in Wernigerode

    Today is free to explore Wernigerode at your own pace. Railway enthusiasts could take a ride through dense forests on the historic narrow-gauge Harz Railway. You could also wander up to Wernigerode Castle, one of the most striking pieces of neo-Gothic architecture in the area, or visit the nearby aircraft museum. Alternatively, you could take the train back to Quedlinburg, where you can join the Selketal Railway for a seasonal journey through the snow-frosted scenery of the Selke Valley. Wernigerode's pretty Christmas market is set in front of the Town Hall, beneath a dazzling Christmas tree, offering hand-made crafts, festive food, mulled wine and warming hot drinks.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Wernigerode

    Exploring Goslar on a guided walking tour

    Today takes us to Goslar, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Adorned with over 1,500 half-timbered houses, it makes a superb setting for one of the most charming Christmas markets in Germany. Nestled at the foot of the Harz Mountains and older than Berlin, this former Free Imperial city is full of historic architecture, some dating back to the early 16th century. We set out on a walking tour, discovering examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture with our local guide. After the tour, you can explore the Christmas market at leisure. The enchanting market is framed by a man-made forest of Christmas trees and sells a variety of local products including home-baked treats and festive drinks.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, we begin our journey home. We are transferred by coach to Hanover where we take a train to Cologne, then to Brussels. From here, we join the Eurostar to London. On the train journey home you can reflect on the magical Christmas markets you've visited and look back on photos you've taken, before saying goodbye to the Tour Manager and making your way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar Plus Standard Class from London St Pancras to Brussels, then coach transfer to Wernigerode, a half-timbered town from the 9th century illuminated for Christmas.
  • Day 2The Brocken Railway carries you through snowy forests of the Harz National Park to the summit of Brocken Mountain, passing Brothers Grimm-style landscapes.
  • Day 3Guided tour of Quedlinburg's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, with its Romanesque church and best-preserved collection of medieval buildings in Germany.
  • Day 5Walking tour of Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1,500 half-timbered houses and one of Germany's most charming Christmas markets, set at the foot of the Harz Mountains.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar Light Meals
  • Breakfast each day
  • 3 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Plus Standard Class from London St Pancras to Brussels, all rail travel within Germany, and the Brocken Railway, as well as all coach transfers.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager who accompanies the group from London through to the return journey home.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar Plus Standard Class (London to Brussels), regional services from Cologne to Hanover and return routes, and the Brocken Railway (Wernigerode to Brocken Mountain summit).
What accommodation is included?
Five nights in the four-star HKK Hotel Wernigerode. All nights are spent in this single hotel base.
When does the tour run?
Departures are scheduled for November 2026 and December 2026.
What meals are included?
Breakfast every day, a Eurostar Light Meal on day 1, and dinners on days 1, 2, and 5. Day 3 includes only breakfast; day 4 is free.

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