Fewer trains on the Brockenbahn: Lack of Personnel meets Harz!

Fewer trains on the Brockenbahn: Lack of Personnel meets Harz!

The Harz narrow -gauge railways (HSB) are currently the focus of attention, because from Monday, July 14th, there will be changes in the timetable. As reports MDR, these adaptations are to be attributed to a short-term personnel bottleneck, in particular due to diseased zubire. Not only are the iconic steam locomotives, but also the popular routes such as the Brockenbahn, the southern and Middle Harz Querbahn and the Selketalbahn.

Concrete changes affect the Brockenbahn, where from Monday only six steam train pairs will be on the move instead of the usual eight. The first train from Wernigerode after the Brocken starts at 9 a.m., the last withdrawal from the summit drives at 4:19 p.m. Unfortunately, some connections have to be omitted, including the morning trip from Wernigerode to Schierke and the steam train from 5:22 p.m. from Eisfelder Talmühle to Wernigerode. The Selketalbahn also has some restrictions, such as the failing trips in the early morning and in the evening. For the failures caused by the timetable, buses are used to take into account the travelers.

forest fire risk and steam train operation

Another reason for the timetable changes is the persistent risk of forest fire. The German Weather Service has currently proclaimed danger level three in the Harz National Park, and it is forecast that this level could increase to four from May 1st. As noted News38, from a warning level of four of the preventive forest fire protection schedule is activated, which is activated to switch the train traffic of steam locomotives to the daily locomotives leads between three Annen Hohne and the Brocken. This drops the number of steam train rides from eight to seven with diesel locomotives.

The Harz narrow -gauge railway has already taken measures to counter the risks of the risk of forest fire. Since Tuesday, the steam locomotives have been able to drive up to three Annen Hohne again after the danger situation has relaxed. However, these changes are not only reactive. Harz.news reports that the HSB had to learn from experiences in the region last year and have now also improved safety measures such as sparks on the steam locomotives. In addition, the staff is strengthened in order to monitor the safety of passengers in the hot season.

future -proof measures

The entire situation demands a certain amount of flexibility from both travelers and HSB. It remains to be hoped that the changes also help to preserve the beautiful nature of the Harz and to continue to enjoy the coal of the steam locomotives - even if it is currently a bit quieter.