2025 Advent Adventure [11/30/2025 - 12/8/2025]

Sunday, November 30:  The tour officially starts this evening as we arrive in the picturesque town of Wernigerode on the northern edge of the Harz Mountains nature park.  The town was untouched during World War 2 and retains its romantic charm.   But we're not at our hotel yet...

Our hotel is the Hotel Kräuterhof, located at the Drei Annen Hohne railway stop in the nature park itself.  It’s Great Event Tours’ second visit to the hotel, the first one taking place over twenty years ago.  The location of the hotel is a treat for nature lovers and train fans alike, as it is located next to the Drei Annen Hohne station.  We will have a group reception and a group dinner at the hotel.  Both are included in the tour cost.

Monday, December 1:   There are two options on the itinerary this morning.  Steam train enthusiasts and nature lovers may choose to board a steam train of the Harz Mountains Railways today for a magical ride through this beautiful natural preserve.  Pulled by our beefy tank locomotive, the train takes us to the top of the ‘Brocken’, the highest point in Germany outside the Alps.  From the summit above the tree line you can (weather permitting) enjoy a spectacular view across Saxony, or head over to the ‘Brocken Museum’ to learn about the politically charged history of this Soviet-era eavesdropping and spying location.

Your other option is to take a different train from Drei Annen Hohne down to Wernigerode.  This is a beautiful town, steeped in history, and what better way to enjoy it than with a 90-minute walking tour in English with a local guide ‘through Six Centuries’ of Wernigerode’s history.  

Those returning from the Brocken can ride the train all the way back to Wernigerode or get off at the hotel.   The afternoon is yours to hang out at Wernigerode station to watch the steam trains in action, or head into the heart of Wernigerode to enjoy the shops and the Christmas market in the shadow of the famous town hall. 

Tuesday, December 2:  It’s a travel day today, so we’ll pack up after breakfast for our train to Dresden.  The Hotel Motel One Am Zwinger awaits us, located in the city center.  The evening is yours to enjoy either the traditional Christmas Market or the Middle-Ages Christmas market, both within walking distance of our hotel.  Also, this being ‘Tag der Modelleisenbahn’, or ’Model Railroad Day’, we’re hoping to find a local model railroad club that wouldn’t mind some visitors that evening.  Still feeling a little jetlagged?  The Finnvillage Christmas market is right outside our hotel for some holiday cheer ‘close to home’.

Wednesday, December 3:  Spend the morning shopping on Dresden’s Prager Strasse, get a morning tour of Dresden’s Zwinger, head to the large nearby freight yard for railfanning, or take some time to relax and catch your breath.  The Verkehrsmuseum Dresden features a large O-scale model railroad with highlights from the city, making it another option this morning.  Every tour participant gets a 3-day Dresden City Card, allowing unlimited travel on all public trams and busses, so explore to your heart’s content!

Then head to the riverfront after lunch for an afternoon steamship ride up the Elbe river.  Included mulled wine and a slice of ‘Kriststollen’ will keep you fed and warm during this three-hour picturesque boat ride, past a trio of German castles.  The evening is yours to grab a ‘Döner’ at the small restaurant around the corner or get a taste of home at the Peter Pane (not a misspelling) Burger Bar across the Postplatz from our hotel…

Thursday, December 4:  And now for something completely different:  It’s off to the Czech capital of Prague, a day trip that includes a fully guided 3-hour walking tour of the highlights of the city.  From Dresden it’s a short two-hour train ride, and our private tour guide will meet us near the station.  You’ll get a primer on Czech history as you see the most beautiful parts of the UNESCO-listed center, from the heights of Prague Castle to the medieval Charles Bridge and hidden corners you might miss on your own.  Looking for trains?  No problem!  Skip the city tour and join the group headed to Railway Kingdom, a large HO scale model railroad featuring Czech landmarks and scenery.  Lunch in Prague (included) comes with a train theme, and a relaxing train ride back to Dresden closes out the day. 

Friday, December 5:  It’s time to head south today to our next stop, Nuremberg (or Nürnberg).  Besides what is likely the most famous Christmas Market in Germany, Nuremberg hosts the German National Railway Museum.  Our hotel on this leg is the Motel Cloud One, and if we’re lucky, we’ll land rooms on the upper floors overlooking the train station. 

Dinner (included) tonight is a fantastic treat of Bavarian and Nuremberg specialties.  The beer and wine will be flowing and the food will be plentiful!  A dinner to remember.

Saturday, December 6:  Both the DB Museum and the Christmas Market beckon, but don’t forget the other destinations that should be on your itinerary today.  Eisenbahn Dörfler is still one of the best model train stores in Germany, and it’s likely the storefront will feature a holiday train layout.  A favorite stop (and conveniently located near the Christmas Market) is the German Toy Museum, featuring toys kids (and adults) have enjoyed for hundreds of years.  Plus, if you’re up for doing some shopping, Nuremberg has one of the largest pedestrian shopping areas in Germany.  With stores staying open on this Saturday until 6:00 p.m. you’ll have plenty of time to find that one-of-a-kind souvenir, whether it’s a leather coat or a locomotive!  Dinner is on your own, but with so many options in the Christmas Market and the surrounding area, you’re sure to find something delicious.

Sunday, December 7:  The whole group is off to visit what is considered the most beautiful town in Germany- the Unesco World Heritage town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.  With its half-timbered houses and ancient city walls, the winter charm (and mulled wine) is sure to keep you warm as you explore the town and its Christmas Market.  Not to worry, train enthusiasts, we’re going there in style, courtesy of the Fränkische Museums-Eisenbahn and their gorgeous class 52 steam locomotive and historic coaches.  We’ll spend the day in Rothenburg, wrapping up the last day of our tour with a group dinner in Rothenburg (included) before taking the BR52 back to Nuremberg.

Monday, December 8:  Although some of us are headed home, feel free to extend your stay in the ‘old country’ for as long as you like.  I’ll be happy to help with additional arrangements and make sure your railpass covers any extra travel you plan to undertake.  

I’m certain that those of us going home today we’ll already be looking forward to the next trip…