The Old-Timey Steam Train

We wimped out on hiking to the Brocken. The weather had cooled off, but I really didn't want to do that last steep climb up to the top. Didn't want to do it down, either. I did want to go up to the top, so that left the train.

I'm a huge fan of trains. I don't know why, since the train I have the most experience with is the Frankford El, aka the Blue Line, aka whatever they call it now, in Philly. It was never a nice train, but these days, wow...

That said, we rode the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen. The first train up to the top of the Brocken started running in the 1890s to accommodate the expanding tourist market. The line was obviously discontinued under the Communist government, as the entire area was off limits due to its proximity to the border and the spy base on the Brocken.

It was a nice ride, good views. We went up through the areas of the mountains that have been devastated by the bark beetle infestation, and then where the forest fire had been last year.

I stupidly stood out on the platform for a bit to take pictures. Didn't fall off (obviously).

Not quite as romantic as our ride up to Oberwiesenthal in Saxony through the snow, but that was just because of well, the lack of snow.

Recommend, though it's pricey. In hindsight, I'd have trained up and hiked back. Maybe.Read more