Sehmatal

Yes, we rented a car, but went by bus again. Today, we headed off to a town called Cranzahl to catch a steam train called the Fichtelbergbahn, one of three popular narrow gauge routes in Saxony. I have a thing for trains, all sorts. It was part one of our planned day. Steam train to Oberweisenthal, then the cable car/gondola up to the top of the mountain, then hike down.

We got to the train station at the edge of the little town. We bought our tickets-- one way-- and then went to wander around and look for the bathroom. Then: the tour bus arrives. Filled to capacity. Well we know what that means, better get right to the bathroom before all the other ladies form a line. Then make sure to be on the platform because there were suddenly a lot of people.

All went well. The tour bus people (and another bus had arrived while I was busy) were herded off. They ended up on their own cars. We watched the steam train come by and hook up. Then, we boarded and were off.

It was a nice ride through a gently rising, snowy landscape. Sunny. A few little towns and rolling farmlands. There were some pretty dramatic curves, but we weren't far enough back to get a good shot of the engine through the window. There was one Wolpertinger sighting (see photo) a painting on the side of a shed by the tracks. A good omen. We could have stood on the open platforms between the cars (last photo), but I'm not that committed to bringing you great pictures.

We arrived in Oberwiesenthal in good time. They took off the steam engine, moved it off and filled it with coal. While this was going on, another engine moved some cars around. Then, we set off to part two of our big day in the mountains.Read more