Harzer Schmalspurbahnen to undergo multi-million euro renovation

The German federal government and the state of Saxony-Anhalt intend to provide approximately 10.9 million euros in funding for the comprehensive renovation of the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) Brocken line. The investment is designated for the first construction phase, covering the section between Wernigerode and the Brocken.

The total cost for this initial phase is estimated at roughly 18.87 million euros. Of this, the federal government is expected to contribute 8.35 million euros, while Saxony-Anhalt will provide 2.5 million euros. The HSB will be responsible for the remaining self-funded portion of approximately 5.85 million euros.

Scheduled to begin in the spring of 2027, the project includes eleven individual measures. Key works involve renewing tracks, switches, and sleepers, including two switches in Wernigerode station and seven switches plus a track section in Drei Annen Hohne station. Additional improvements include platform renovations and the upgrading of oil separation systems. To prepare for the scale of the project, which requires 12 kilometers of rails and 4,800 sleepers, the company has received authorization to begin ordering materials immediately.