Classic Germany: Fairy-Tale Towns & Alpine Peaks by Steam
About this journey
Steam to the 1,141 m Brocken summit, the half-timbered lanes of Wernigerode and the forests of the Harz. This journey takes you to the highest peak in the Harz Mountains aboard a historic narrow-gauge steam railway.
Highlights
- Steam ascent to Brocken summit (1,141m)
- Explore Wernigerode's fairy-tale half-timbered old town
- Visit the Brocken weather station
- Traditional German dinner in a mountain lodge
Day-by-Day
Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Wernigerode
Arrive in Wernigerode and transfer to your hotel in the historic old town. Evening welcome dinner.
Day 2: Wernigerode Castle
Morning visit to Wernigerode Castle, a stunning neo-gothic palace. Afternoon free to explore the town’s half-timbered houses.
Day 3: Brocken Ascent
Board the steam train for the dramatic ascent to the Brocken summit. Visit the weather station and enjoy panoramic views. Return by steam train.
Day 4: Harz Forest Walk
Gentle guided walk through the Harz forests. Afternoon visit to a local timber-framed village.
Day 5: Brocken Railway Museum
Visit the Harz Railway Museum to see historic locomotives. Afternoon at leisure in Wernigerode.
Day 6: Quedlinburg & the Selketalbahn Steam Line
Ride the romantic Selketalbahn steam line through the Selke Valley to Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage town with over 1,300 half-timbered houses.
Day 7: Goslar Imperial Palace
Excursion to historic Goslar to visit the 11th-century Imperial Palace and the UNESCO Rammelsberg heritage site.
Day 8: Journey to Dresden & Saxony
Scenic transfer to Dresden, the baroque jewel on the Elbe River. Evening stroll along the Brühlsche Terrasse.
Day 9: Royal Dresden & Elbe Paddle Steamer
Explore the Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche, followed by an afternoon cruise aboard a historic Elbe paddle steamer.
Day 10: Saxon Switzerland & Bastei Bridge
Day trip into Saxon Switzerland National Park for panoramic views from the Bastei rock bridge and Königstein Fortress.
Day 11: Ore Mountains & Fichtelbergbahn Steam Line
Travel into the Ore Mountains and ride the historic Fichtelbergbahn narrow-gauge steam train from Cranzahl up to the spa town of Oberwiesenthal.
Day 12: Meissen Porcelain & Vineyards
Visit the world-famous Meissen Porcelain Manufactory and Albrechtsburg Castle overlooking the Elbe Valley.
Day 13: Leipzig & Farewell Dinner
Transfer to Leipzig to explore its historic arcades and St. Thomas Church, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner.
Day 14: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Gallery
Photos from the journey
What's included
- 13 nights in 4-star hotels
- Daily breakfast and 6 dinners
- Tickets for 3 heritage steam lines (Brockenbahn, Selketalbahn, Fichtelbergbahn)
- Vietnamese-speaking tour leader
- All transfers and local transport
What's not included
- International flights
- Lunches (except where specified)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How cold is it on the Brocken?
Even in summer, temperatures on the Brocken can be 10-15°C cooler than in the valley. We recommend warm layers.
Is the Brocken train suitable for children?
Yes, children enjoy the dramatic steam ascent. The journey takes about 1.5 hours each way.
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