Narrow Gauge Steam Railways in Eastern Germany

Trains preparing to leave the junction at Alexisbad in the Harz

We arrange Holidays and Short Breaks for Individual Steam Enthusiasts in many parts of Germany. We do not, ourselves, organise groups, but of course, we should be delighted to work with you to arrange a holiday for your own group or Railway Society.

Your steam railway holiday will be tailor made to your own specific requirements. To do this we need to talk to you about what you want to see and do on your holiday.

We ask that you telephone us on 01946 861652 to discuss your plans. Alternatively, you can use this e-mail link to request a phone call back. It is not practicable to organise this type of holiday by e-mail exchange.

The Harz Narrow Gauge Network

Molli - Bad Doberan to Kühlungsborn

The Isle of Rügen Narrow Gauge Railway

Zittau to Oybin and Jonsdorf

All holidays to these narrow gauge railways
are tailor-made to your personal wishes.
To discuss your holiday, please telephone
01946 861652

The Harz Narrow Gauge Network
This is both the most extensive of the various narrow gauge railways systems, and the one closest to the UK. Just beyond the former iron curtain, the summit of the Brocken was heavily restricted until 1989.

We offer holidays at Alexisbad on the eastern Selketalbahn network, at Drei Annen on the western Harzquerbahn and near the junction for the line to the Brocken, and in Wernigerode, the HQ of the whole network. All are ideally situated for steam enthusiasts.

Bad Doberan to Kühlungsborn
This interesting narrow gauge line runs from Bad Doberan west of Rostock to the Baltic Coast at Kühlungsborn. Just under 9 miles long, this line runs through the streets of Bad Doberan. It is still widely used by local people and for most of the day is the only public transport between Kühlungsborn and Bad Doberan.

We normally arrange holidays in Kühlungsborn, a popular coastal resort. Bad Doberan is served by the main German Rail network, and is an interesting town in its own right.

Isle of Rügen Narrow Gauge Railway
Known locally as Rasender Roland (Racing Roland), this 750cm gauge line across the south eastern part of Germany's largest island, just off the Baltic coast, was built at the end of the last century. The oldest locos still operating date from 1914. The route runs from Putbus through open country and forests towards the coast at Binz, then inland through more forest towards the seaside resorts of Sellin and Baabe to Göhren. The service runs every two hours, sixteen times a day. As the route is largely flat, the locos are less powerful than those in the Harz.

The island - Germany's largest - is itself very well worth a visit even without the added attraction of the steam railway. The chalk cliffs in the north east of the island have long inspired artists and the whole island was very popular with party leaders during the era of the German Democratic Republic.

Today, with its sandy beaches and thatched cottages, Rügen is once again very popular with holidaymakers from all over Europe.

We will normally arrange accommodation in Putbus, the headquarters of the railway and the cultural capital of the island. If you prefer, we can also arrange accommodation at one of the seaside resorts at the end of the line.

Zittau to Oybin and Jonsdorf
This small narrow gauge system is in the far south eastern corner of Saxony, close to both the Czech and Polish borders. It serves a culturally fascinating area. Oybin lies in the heart of the forested Zittau hills, while Jonsdorf is also in the hills which spread south across the border to the Czech lands, while Poland lies to the east across the Neisse river.

We normally arrange holidays right by the station at Bertsdorf, where the two routes branch. as there is a hotel here run by a rail enthusiast.


Molli on the Streets of Bad Doberan	Racing Roland at a Wayside Stop

We can organise anything from a weekend break for one or two people to a fortnight's holiday touring some or all of these narrow gauge systems. Travel all the way by rail, or by sea and rail, or by car. If you want to fly, we can organise everything for you except the flight - all your accommodation, rail tickets from the airport to your destination or a hire car. You tell us what you want to do and we will arrange it.

One of the best things about all of these steam railway systems is that the surrounding areas offer more than just the railways.

Kühlungsborn and Rügen are both fine seaside resorts with plenty to do for all members of the family. Both are ideal for swimming, and cycling and gentle walking in the countryside are available too. Rügen is very popular with painters too.


Leaving Bertsdorf Station	Climbing the Brocken

The Harz Mountains are one of the finest areas in the whole of Germany for walking holidays. Use the link for more information. The Zittau Hills also offer ideal walking country, as well as being an ideal spot to make short trips into the Czech Republic and Poland. We also offer a walking tour that ends at Zittau. You can easily combine this with a few days exploring the steam railway system.

Remember, we ask that you telephone us on 01946 861652 to discuss your plans. Alternatively, you can use this e-mail link to request a phone call back. It is not practicable to organise this type of holiday by e-mail exchange.

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