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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

The Harz Mountains in Winter

Seven-day escorted rail journey through Germany's Harz Mountains in winter

Illustration of The Harz Mountains in Winter

Vacations By Rail operates this seven-day escorted winter rail journey through Germany's Harz Mountains, departing London and ending in Quedlinburg. You travel by Eurostar to Brussels, then by German national rail in First Class through snow-covered valleys to Hannover. From there, you coach to Wernigerode, a timber-framed mountain town where you base yourself for five nights at the four-star HKK Hotel. The heart of the tour includes two heritage narrow-gauge railways: the Brocken Railway to the 3,743-foot summit with views across Upper Harz National Park, and the Selke Valley Railway through steep forested valleys. Guided walking tours explore the medieval UNESCO World Heritage towns of Goslar and Quedlinburg, with their cobbled lanes and historic architecture. A Tour Manager accompanies you throughout. This trip suits repeat rail travellers who enjoy guided escorted tours, history lovers drawn to medieval German towns, and couples seeking a relaxed winter mountain experience with a strong hotel base.

What to know before you look closer

  • You stay in Wernigerode for five nights; Day 6 overnight is listed as Wernigerode in the itinerary, though the description suggests a visit to Quedlinburg that day
  • The tour departs London and ends in Quedlinburg, requiring separate travel arrangements home

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Cologne

    From London to Cologne

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, board the Eurostar to Brussels, then the German national rail service in First Class to Cologne. Check in near the river and enjoy a welcome dinner.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Wernigerode

    To the Harz Mountains and our base in Wernigerode

    Train to Hannover through the Harz Mountains snowscape, then coach to Wernigerode, checking into the elegant four-star hotel in this fairytale town of half-timbered houses.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wernigerode

    A trip on the Brocken Railway

    A scenic rail journey aboard the heritage Brocken Railway to the summit of Brocken (3,743 feet), the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, with panoramic views over Upper Harz National Park, then return to Wernigerode.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Wernigerode

    A guided tour of UNESCO-listed Goslar

    Rail to medieval Goslar for a walking tour of its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with free time to visit the Kaiserpfalz or the Rammelsberg Mining Museum, before returning to Wernigerode.

  5. Day 5overnight: Wernigerode

    A free day in fairytale Wernigerode

    A free day to explore Wernigerode, including Wernigerode Castle, the aviation museum and the fire brigade museum. Dine independently.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Wernigerode

    Selke Valley Railway and a tour of Quedlinburg

    Journey on the Selke Valley Railway through the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway's steepest sections to Alexisbad, then return to Quedlinburg for a guided walking tour of its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.

  7. Day 7rail

    Traveling home

    Transfer by coach from Wernigerode to Hannover, continue by rail to Cologne, then change trains in Brussels to join the Eurostar to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Ascend the Brocken Railway, a heritage narrow-gauge steam railway, to the 3,743-foot summit of Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, with panoramic views over Upper Harz National Park
  • Day 4Walking tour of medieval Goslar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture; optional visits to the Kaiserpfalz or Rammelsberg Mining Museum
  • Day 6Journey on the Selke Valley Railway through the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway's steepest sections to Alexisbad, then guided walking tour of Quedlinburg's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 6 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus
  • First & Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day, 4 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. Included are Eurostar Plus, First and Standard Class rail travel, and all rail and coach travel throughout the tour. The two heritage railways (Brocken Railway and Selke Valley Railway) are also included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager throughout the entire 7 days. All guided tours and excursions are included.
What is the hotel standard?
You stay six nights in four-star accommodation: one night in a hotel near the river in Cologne and five nights at the HKK Hotel Wernigerode in the Harz Mountains.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast and four dinners are included. One dinner is a welcome dinner in Cologne. You dine independently on one evening and may do so on additional meals.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 2. You will walk on guided tours in Goslar and Quedlinburg and can explore Wernigerode independently on Day 5.
What is not included?
Travel insurance, flights, and airport transfers are not included. Optional upgrades and extended stays before or after the tour are available separately.

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