dovima

Beginning to plan a trip in autumn to Germany. I'd probably be traveling south from Hamburg or Lubeck to Frankfurt. Goslar sounds like a good stop-over - any opinions on places to stay in Goslar or perhaps another town? How much of a look at the Harz Mountains would I get traveling from Goslar to Frankfurt? Alternative route suggestions welcomed. Thank you

dovima

Forgot to mention that mode of transport would be by train. Also, is late October too late for seeing autumn foliage in that part of Germany? Many thanks.

Russ

Goslar is a lovely town. Hameln is very nice as well. Closer to the main route south, Northeim or Goettingen are nice stops as well.

You won't see much nature within Goslar - you'll need to get further into the hills from there. The Brockenbahn is a train that leaves nearby Wernigerode and climbs to the top of the harz' highest mountain, the Brocken. It's a private railway which uses steam locomotives and runs about 20 Euros round trip for the 1 hr. + ride each way. There may also be some buses from Goslar into the hills, but I don't know of them. I've been further in than Goslar or Wernigerode, myself.

We stayed in a very nice hostel in Northeim - but I suspect you are looking for something a bit more upscale than a hostel.

dovima

Russ - Thanks for the reply. The train to the top of the Brocken sounds super. Any idea whether it shuts down after the summer?

Ingo

The railway up to Brocken runs all year through. I took it in winter and enjoyed it very much. Make sure you have a clear and sunny day - you need good luck for that.

Wernigerode is also a nice town to stay in. Smaller than Goslar, closer to the mountains and a "Neuschwanstein" - like castle above the town.

Late Oct is perfect for autumn foliage.

Russ

Here's a page on the train in English:

www.hsb-wr.de/hsb1113e.htm

And a schedule of trains:

www.hsb-wr.de/fahrplaene/faisy/s325h.htm

dovima

Thank you very much!