- Multitudes of attendees celebrating the dual rail anniversary in the Harz region.
Thrilling Steam Train Extravaganza: The Harz Narrow Gauge Railways pulled in countless attendees to commence their 125th anniversary jubilee of the Harzquer and Brocken railways. The scene at the swanky steam engine facility in Wernigerode was bustling throughout the day, luring train aficionados and families, stated Heide Baumgaertner, a spokesperson from the German Press Agency. "The climate was splendid, the crowd was jovial, and the queues were extended." The festivities are set to carry on on Sunday.
Vintage Rolling Stocks Taking Center Stage
The itinerary includes a classic automobile showcase, a kiddie train line, facility visits, and a ride in the locomotive cockpit, as revealed. The main event is the 125-year-old steam engine "Hoya" from the German Railway Association. Named after the Hoya-Syke-Asendorf narrow-gauge railway, it was delivered in 1899. Another veteran steam engine from the early days of the Harzquer and Brocken railways, constructed in 1897, was also a huge draw, particularly for train enthusiasts and connoisseurs. The "Schweineschnauze," a 1932 railcar, also offered back-and-forth rides.
In 1899, the first train ascended the 1,141-meter-high Brocken. Moreover, the extensive narrow-gauge railway service of the Harzquerbahn, linking the cities of Nordhausen (Thuringia) and Wernigerode (Saxony-Anhalt), commenced operation. Prior to this, the Harzquerbahn had already been operating on certain segments. The Harzquerbahn's third line is the Selketalbahn.
The Harzquerbahn manages Germany's longest continuous narrow-gauge railway network, spanning around 140 kilometers. The track width is a meter. The steam engines of the company are among the most popular tourist attractions in the Harz region.
Visitors were eager to explore the vintage rolling stocks taking center stage, such as the 125-year-old steam engine "Hoya" and the "Schweineschnauze" from 1932. These historical narrow gauge locomotives, including those from the Harzquer and Brocken railways, are a testament to the Harz narrow gauge railways' rich history.
