Harzer Schmalspurbahnen

Who they are

Harzer Schmalspurbahnen GmbH (HSB) is the company that runs the narrow-gauge network of the Harz, in central Germany, based at Friedrichstraße 151 in Wernigerode. It is a public company: its partners are the districts of Harz and Nordhausen, the towns of Wernigerode, Nordhausen, Harzgerode, Quedlinburg (which presents itself as a World Heritage town) and Oberharz am Brocken, the municipality of Harztor and the Braunlage tourism company. The network is 140.4 kilometres long, with a track gauge of 1,000 millimetres and more than 40 stations and halts, and according to the company itself more than a million passengers a year use it.

Its fleet includes 25 steam locomotives, 12 diesel locomotives, 10 railcars and 137 carriages and wagons. That is why steam is not a one-off attraction: a good part of the scheduled trains are hauled by steam locomotives all year round.

What lines and trips it offers

The network is divided into three lines. The Harzquerbahn crosses the range from north to south, between Wernigerode and Nordhausen. The Brockenbahn climbs from Drei Annen Hohne and Schierke to the summit of the Brocken, the highest mountain in northern Germany. The Selketalbahn runs through the Selke valley and has its end at Quedlinburg, so it can be reached without a car from that town. In addition to the regular trains, HSB schedules special trains throughout the year: the Walpurgiszug, Advent and New Year's Eve trains, tasting trips, experiences to drive or accompany the driver in the steam cab, workshop tours and multi-day getaway packages.

The company publishes timetables by season. In 2026 the November timetable runs from 2 to 26 November and the winter timetable from 27 November 2026 to 4 April 2027. The timetables for each line are on its website.

Tickets, prices and booking

Tickets are bought at the station ticket offices, in the online shop (for the Brocken and almost all special trains) or on the train, and you pay by card. On scheduled trains seats are not reserved: seating is free. Online tickets go on sale about three or four weeks beforehand, are in the traveller's name, require photo ID and, according to HSB's FAQ, cannot be cancelled, changed or refunded.

To the Brocken, an adult pays €43 single and €65 return; children aged 6 to 14, €26 and €39; under-6s travel free, without a right to a seat. There is a family card (MiniGruppenCard) of €135 for two adults and up to three children. The journey up is tied to a specific train, but the way down is free and can be made up to three days later.

Groups of 8 to 50 people can ask for a reservation at least five days ahead, on +49 3943 558 153 or at [email protected], although the seat is not guaranteed.

Bikes, dogs and accessibility

Bikes travel free if there is room, in the luggage van of the steam trains. Baby buggies also go free in the red van. Small dogs in a carrier do not pay; the others need their own ticket (€13 single to the Brocken), must wear a muzzle and are not allowed on special trains. From May to October there are wheelchair lift platforms at Wernigerode, Drei Annen Hohne and the Brocken, and the vans take about four wheelchairs; the train toilets are not adapted. The website is in German.