Brocken Railway

Q: Where does the Brocken Railway depart from to go up to the Brocken?

The easiest and most popular starting point is the train station in Wernigerode. An alternative with a shorter travel time is the train station in Drei Annen Hohne. Coming from the southern Harz region, you can also start your journey from Nordhausen on the Harzquerbahn or from Alexisbad, Hasselfelde, Harzgerode, or Quedlinburg on the Selketalbahn, with the necessary transfers.

Q: How much does a ride on the Brocken Railway cost?

A flat fare applies for the trip to the Brocken. This Brocken fare is valid from all stations of the Harz Narrow-Gauge Railways.

Q: What is the schedule?

There is a winter schedule and a summer schedule. Please check the HSB website for information and any current changes.

Q: Are there only steam locomotives on the Brocken?

No, in addition to steam locomotives, diesel locomotives also run on the Brocken.

Q: What's the deal with narrow-gauge railways?

Narrow-gauge railways are characterized by their narrower track gauge compared to standard gauge, which is 1,435 mm. The Harz narrow-gauge railways have a track gauge of 1,000 mm. Narrow-gauge railways can navigate tighter curves, making them particularly well-suited for mountainous regions such as the Harz.

Full steam ahead to the summit

For many visitors, a ride on the Brocken Railway is an essential part of their Harz vacation. It combines a historic railway experience with the easiest way to reach the Brocken. The trains, pulled by steam locomotives, depart from the main station in Wernigerode and take about one hour and 40 minutes to reach the summit.

Those who prefer a shorter trip can board at the Drei-Annen-Hohne station. There is a large parking lot right next to the station. From here, the trains take about 50 minutes to reach the Brocken station, which is located at 1,125 meters and is thus the highest narrow-gauge railway station in Germany. The final 18 meters of elevation gain to the 1,141-meter-high summit are via well-maintained trails. On a clear day, the view from the top offers a sweeping panorama of the North German Plain and the mountainous landscape of the Harz.

The Brocken Railway is particularly suitable if you want to reach the summit without a strenuous hike or if you’re not very good on your feet. This way, you can experience the landscape in a relaxed manner from the train’s perspective.