Narrow-gauge trains in the Harz region provide scenic journeys - Narrow-Gauge Railways of Harz Region
In a recent announcement, Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) has revealed plans for a **temporary schedule reduction** and route closures in 2025, due to ongoing construction and maintenance work.
The most significant impact will be felt on the Selketalbahn line, where a section between Alexisbad and Harzgerode will be closed from April 25, 2025, until the end of November 2025. During this period, no train services will operate on this segment. Passengers are advised to use the regular bus lines 242, 244, and 254 operated by Harzer Verkehrsbetriebe (HVB) for traveling between these points.
However, not all train services will be affected. Some train connections between Wernigerode - Benneckenstein - Ilfeld - Nordhausen will have partial replacements by bus services for two train connections, indicating some disruptions on this route as well.
In some cases, a replacement bus service will be provided for the Brockenbahn, Harzquerbahn, and Selketalbahn during the schedule reductions. These replacement bus services will operate during the same hours as the cancelled trains.
The summer timetable running from April 25 to November 2, 2025, reflects these changes, and online tickets are available up to 3-4 weeks in advance. It's essential for travellers to plan accordingly and use the designated bus lines for the affected routes.
The short-term staff shortages at Harzer Schmalspurbahnen are the cause of these reductions, leading to cancellations, particularly in the morning and evening hours. It's important to note that not all trains on the Brockenbahn, Harzquerbahn, and Selketalbahn will be affected.
The train schedule reductions will last from today until July 27, 2025. The HSB encourages passengers to stay informed and check their websites for the most up-to-date information regarding their services.
In Thuringia's railway industry, the temporary schedule reduction and route closures for Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) in 2025 may influence the public-transit system, as train services on the Selketalbahn line, Brockenbahn, Harzquerbahn, and some connections between Wernigerode - Benneckenstein - Ilfeld - Nordhausen will have partial replacements by bus services. During the financing of these construction and maintenance projects, passengers are advised to utilize bus lines for transportation on affected routes.
