Brocken Railway (Brockenbahn)

Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB)
Germany
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The Journey

Navigate from Wernigerode to Brocken across a span of 19km.

Scenery Highlights
  • Brocken Summit Observatory at 1,141m — panoramic views across northern Germany
  • Harz National Park dense spruce forests
  • Wernigerode's romantic half-timbered old town as departure point
  • Spectacular steam exhaust plumes visible from miles away
  • Extreme weather conditions at summit — often foggy, windy, or snowy
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    1.7 hours

  • Distance

    19 km

  • Est. Price

    €43-65 per person

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

Steam locomotives: 99 2221, 99 2321, 99 2401 series (built 1897-1950s)

Locomotive Weight

90-100 tonnes (99 23xx series)

Track Gauge

1,000 mm (meter gauge)

Braking Technology

Steam brake + automatic air brake for carriages

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Steep 4% gradients requiring powerful locomotives

  • Extreme weather at summit — temperatures can drop to -20°C in winter

  • Dense forest environment requiring fire prevention measures

  • Narrow mountain curves with limited sight lines

  • Snow clearance operations in winter months

Maximum elevation

1,141 m (Brocken station)

Route distance

19 km

Maximum speed

40 km/h (lower in winter)

Carriages

Historic wooden saloon and open-balcony carriages (1920s-30s)

Fleet size

25 operational steam locomotives

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    1.7 hours

  • Distance

    19 km

  • Est. Price

    €43-65 per person

Official Booking Provider