Narrow-gauge steam trains puff up through the forests of Germany's Harz mountains to the summit of the Brocken, from half-timbered towns full of fairy-tale castles and witches' legends. Here's what the Harz steam railway is like, when to go and how long to stay.
Germany is in the Schengen area, so the new EU entry checks apply. The Brocken line is the only part of the railway where you need to book in busy times. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
The trains run every day of the year. Winter is the most magical, with snow on the Brocken from about November to April, though the summit is often foggy and windy, and very cold. In December, Wernigerode and Quedlinburg hold Christmas markets. Late April brings Walpurgis Night, when the Harz towns dress up for the witches' festival. Summer and autumn are best for walking, and autumn colour peaks in October.
From Wernigerode, the steam train takes about 100 minutes to climb to the 1,141-metre summit of the Brocken.
A colourful half-timbered town with a fairy-tale castle on the hill above, linked by a little road train.
A UNESCO-listed old town with more than 2,000 half-timbered houses and a castle hill.
A quieter branch line through woods and meadows to Alexisbad and Gernrode.
Walk the circular path at the top, home to the legends of witches gathering on Walpurgis Night.
A dramatic rocky gorge near Thale, with cable cars and a chairlift up to the Hexentanzplatz viewpoint.
Yes. The steam trains, castles, witches' legends and forest walks suit all ages, and it's good value for Germany. Children can often watch the driver and fireman at work during stops.
Wernigerode to the Brocken takes about 100 minutes each way. The whole network covers 140 km, and a three-day pass lets you ride all of it.
Fly into Hannover Airport, then drive or take the train to Wernigerode, about two hours. Berlin's airport is about three hours away by road or rail.
Yes. Many people ride up and walk down through the forest to Schierke, about 2 to 3 hours. Wrap up, as it's much colder at the top than in town.
Put Harz steam railway on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.