Winter Steam in Germany

Discover Germany at its most atmospheric as steam locomotives power through snow-covered landscapes, historic cities and mountain scenery on this exceptional winter railway holiday. Combining main line steam, industrial railways, narrow-gauge heritage lines and one of Europe’s most celebrated steam networks, this brand-new tour offers a superb variety of traction and unforgettable railway experiences.

• Experience the unique spectacle of steam on Frankfurt’s historic Harbour Railway, running alongside the River Main beneath the city’s world-famous skyline.
• Travel behind Polish-built steam locomotive TKt48-160 and visit the historic Hanau roundhouse.
• Enjoy a private steam charter at the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum, home to Germany’s finest collection of 600 mm gauge steam locomotives, including the iconic 1914 Brigadelok.
• Visit the legendary Meiningen Steam Locomotive Works, Germany’s last active steam locomotive workshop.
• Travel by steam through the Harz Mountains on the famous Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, including Drei Annen Hohne and the summit of Mount Brocken.
• Enjoy a private steam charter on the historic Mansfeld Railway, Germany’s oldest preserved narrow-gauge railway, while staying in the attractive cities of Frankfurt and Erfurt.
  

Friday 8 January

London to Frankfurt

Travel from London to Germany by Eurostar plus and high-speed first-class rail via Brussels to Frankfurt, one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. After checking into your centrally located hotel, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner and an introduction to the steam adventures ahead. (B D)

Saturday 9 January

Main line steam and the Frankfurt Harbour Railway

Begin your tour with an extraordinary steam experience at the historic Hanau roundhouse. Witness powerful 2-8-2T steam locomotive TKt48-160 in steam and enjoy exclusive cab rides and photographic opportunities. The locomotive is then conveyed onto the national rail network before taking charge of a special train over Frankfurt’s remarkable Harbour Railway. Dating from the 19th century, this unique industrial railway runs alongside the River Main and through the city’s waterfront districts, creating one of the most extraordinary steam railway experiences in Europe. Enjoy photo stops, filming opportunities and superb views of Frankfurt’s iconic skyline before returning to Hanau. (B)

Sunday 10 January

Steam at the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum

Today is devoted to Germany’s rich narrow-gauge railway heritage at the Frankfurter Feldbahnmuseum. Home to one of Europe’s largest collections of 600 mm gauge steam locomotives, this fascinating railway operates through attractive parkland on an extensive heritage network. A private steam charter hauled by the museum’s famous 1914 0-8-0 Brigadelok No.8 provides numerous run-pasts, photo opportunities and authentic narrow-gauge steam action throughout the day, expertly arranged by the museum’s volunteer railwaymen. Light refreshments, including mulled wine, grilled sausages and sweet pastries, will be served on site. (B L)

Monday 11 January

High-speed rail to Erfurt

This morning travel by DB high-speed ICE train from Frankfurt to the medieval city of Erfurt, renowned for its beautifully preserved old town, half-timbered buildings and magnificent cathedral. For the remainder of the tour, stay at a centrally located hotel within easy reach of the city’s main attractions. The afternoon is free to explore at leisure, with a tram rover ticket included for Erfurt’s extensive tram network. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening. (B, D)

Tuesday 12 January 

Meiningen Steam Locomotive Works

Travel by regional train through the scenic hills and forests of Thuringia to Meiningen, home to Deutsche Bahn’s last active steam locomotive works. Enjoy a guided tour of the famous workshops, including the boiler hall and locomotives currently undergoing overhaul, offering a rare behind-the-scenes insight into steam engineering. After lunch at a local restaurant, there is time to explore Meiningen’s historic centre before returning to Erfurt by train.(B L)

Wednesday 13 January 

Steam through the Harz Mountains to Mount Brocken

Travel by train from Erfurt to Nordhausen to join the famous Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, one of Europe’s most celebrated steam railway systems and a highlight of the tour. Travel steam hauled along the network’s historic trunk route through forests, valleys and snow-covered landscapes to Drei Annen Hohne. Here another steam locomotive takes over for the spectacular climb to Mount Brocken, the highest summit in northern Germany and one of Europe’s most famous steam railway destinations. Enjoy time at the summit for photographs and refreshments before descending by steam and returning to Erfurt after a day featuring more than 130 kilometres of steam-hauled travel. (B)

Thursday 14 January 

The Mansfeld Railway and Stassfurt Roundhouse

This morning travel to Klostermansfeld for a private steam charter on the Mansfeld Railway, Germany’s oldest preserved narrow-gauge railway. Originally constructed to serve the region’s copper mines, the line today offers a fascinating blend of industrial heritage, traditional steam operation and picturesque rural scenery. Behind a powerful 0-8-0 steam locomotive, enjoy extensive run-pasts and photography opportunities along the historic route to Hettstedt, passing former mining landscapes and impressive slag heaps. Visit the railway’s depot and photograph the locomotive beneath the town’s distinctive clock tower before lunch at the beautifully preserved 1876 station building. In the afternoon continue to Stassfurt, home to one of Germany’s most impressive, preserved railway roundhouses. Explore its collection of historic main line steam locomotives and heritage rolling stock before enjoying a private heritage train ride around the site. (B)

Friday 15 January 

Return to London

Bid farewell to Germany’s steam railways and winter landscapes as you travel back to London by Frist Class ICE and Eurostar plus services via Frankfurt and Brussels. (B)