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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Harz Mountains Christmas Markets

Six-day escorted Harz Mountains tour with steam trains and three Christmas markets

Illustration of Harz Mountains Christmas Markets

Vacations By Rail's Harz Mountains Christmas Markets tour is a 6-day, 5-night escorted journey through Germany's medieval heartland, departing from London St Pancras on Eurostar Plus and traveling via coach and rail to the mountain town of Wernigerode. The tour manager stays with the group throughout. Days center on exploring three UNESCO-listed Old Towns, Wernigerode, Quedlinburg, and Goslar, each with its own Christmas market, half-timbered squares, and guided walking tours. The signature moment is Day 2, when the steam-hauled Brocken Railway climbs to the summit of the Harz Mountains' highest peak through snow-covered forests. Day 4 is free, offering optional rides on historic narrow-gauge railways or further exploration of Wernigerode Castle. Nightly accommodation is the 4-star HKK Hotel Wernigerode, which serves as a comfortable base for daily excursions. Breakfasts are included each morning, and three group dinners anchor the social rhythm of the tour. The itinerary suits history enthusiasts, repeat rail travelers who appreciate heritage trains, couples seeking guided comfort, and anyone drawn to traditional German festive culture.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour operates during the Christmas season but the pack does not list specific departure dates; confirm availability with Vacations By Rail.
  • One reviewer noted that two of the three Christmas markets were extremely small; the standout market is in Goslar.
  • All five nights are at the same hotel in Wernigerode; there is no hotel change, so luggage remains in one place throughout.
  • Flights and airport transfers to London St Pancras are not included; rail travel to London must be arranged separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Wernigerode

    Arrival in the German town of Wernigerode

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras and join the Eurostar (Plus class, light meal included) to Brussels, continuing via Cologne to Hannover, then by coach to Wernigerode; first group dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Wernigerode

    Wernigerode and a journey on the Brocken Railway

    Steam-hauled Brocken Railway through the Harz National Park to the summit of Brocken Mountain (Germany's highest narrow-gauge railway station); free time to visit Wernigerode's Christmas market.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Wernigerode

    World Heritage Quedlinburg and its Christmas Market

    Guided tour of Quedlinburg's UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town and its Christmas market in the Marktplatz.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Wernigerode

    A day at leisure in Wernigerode

    Free day; optional rides on the historic narrow-gauge Harz Railway or the Selketal Railway from Quedlinburg, or explore Wernigerode Castle and its Christmas market.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Wernigerode

    Exploring Goslar on a guided walking tour

    Guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Goslar and its Christmas market; final group dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6rail

    Traveling home

    After breakfast, transfer by coach to Hannover, then train via Cologne to Brussels and the Eurostar to London.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Steam-hauled Brocken Railway climbs through Harz National Park to the mountain summit, Germany's highest narrow-gauge railway station.
  • Day 3Guided tour of Quedlinburg's UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town and its Christmas market in the Marktplatz.
  • Day 5Guided walking tour of Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage town, and its Christmas market.

Included

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

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Plus Standard Class from London St Pancras to Brussels and onward rail via Cologne and Hannover, plus the Brocken Railway steam train and all coach transfers.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager from the start of the journey at London St Pancras through the final return to London.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included every day; three dinners are included (days 1, 2, and 5). Other meals are your own.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 3, meaning there is regular walking, including guided walking tours of medieval towns and optional steam train rides through forests.
How many nights do we stay in each place?
All five nights are in Wernigerode at the HKK Hotel Wernigerode, a 4-star property. Day trips visit Quedlinburg and Goslar.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers to London, cancellation insurance, and lunch and other meals beyond those listed are not included.

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