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HSB: Harz Narrow-Gauge Railroad

HSB passenger cars

ABOVE: HSB passenger cars in Drei-Annen-Hohne. INSET BELOW: Dampfladen No. 6, the HSB's ticket office and souvenir shop in Wernigerode.

Practical information

HSB Dampfladen No. 6 Timetables: Total travel time from Wernigerode to the Brocken is roughly 1-3/4 to 2 hours, depending on which train you take. All trains to the Brocken's summit station are powered by coal-burning steam locomotives, and trains run year-round. For seasonal timetables, visit the official HSB Web site. (See link below.)

Fares: HSB ticket prices vary by route. On the Brockenbahn, which serves the Brocken summit and museum, the railroad charges the same price from all stations. This means you might as well take the train all the way from Wernigerode to the Brocken, since you won't save money by driving to the Drei-Annen-Hohnen or Schierke station farther up the line. On the HSB's Harzquerbahn and Selketalbahn lines, which mostly cater to area residents, fares are determined by distance.

Buying tickets: The HSB has a shop in Wernigerode called Dampfladen No. 6 (see inset photo). You can buy tickets, souvenirs, and gifts at the store, which is on Wernigerode's main shopping street opposite the Marktplatz. Tickets are also available at any HSB railroad station.

Wheelchairs: Most of the HSB's rolling stock was built decades ago, before "accessibility" became a buzzword, but the railroad does provide external wheelchair lifts in the Wernigerode, Drei-Annen-Hohne, and Brocken stations from May to October. Phone (0 39 43) 558-153 for assistance.

Bicycles: Two-wheelers travel free in the baggage car on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Special trains

The HSB runs "decorated trains for diabolic people" on Walpurgisnacht (April 30), Easter Sunday trains with the Easter bunny and special gifts, and "St. Nicholas" trains in December with Christmas decorations and St. Nick on board.

If you're traveling with a large family or group, you can rent an historic railcar or a dining car. Groups of 40 or more can book a private railway car with tables. For contact information, see the links below.

Tours for railfans

The HSB offers a one-hour guided tour of the railway depot at Wernigerode Westerntor, and steam enthusiasts can book a trip in the driver's cab of a steam locomotive (dark, older clothes are suggested).

HSB Web sites and customer service

HSB - Harzer Schmalspurbahnen
The official Harz Narrow-Gauge Railways Web site has timetables, fares, technical information, and more. For information and reservations on special trains or tours, e-mail kundenservice [at] hsb-wr.de.

Wikipedia: Harzer Schmalspurbahnen
The online encyclopedia has a short but informative article with a map of the HSB's rail network.

For more pictures of HSB trains and stations, see page 3 of this article.

To plan a trip, see our illustrated articles on Wernigerode and the Brocken mountain and museum.

Next page: More HSB train photos

In this article:

HSB - Harz Narrow-Gauge Railroad

Practical information, HSB Web links

More HSB train photos

Brocken - Mountain and Museum

Wernigerode

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