Heatwave: Brocken Railway switches to diesel instead of steam due to fire risk

Due to heightened wildfire risks, the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (HSB) is temporarily replacing steam locomotives with diesel engines for services to the Brocken mountain. This precautionary measure, effective Monday, aims to mitigate the danger of sparks and hot ash igniting dry vegetation along the popular tourist route.

The decision comes as regional authorities have classified the current wildfire risk across much of the state as high, with many areas reaching the second-highest danger level, Four. The HSB stated that trains operating between Drei Annen Hohne and the Brocken will exclusively use diesel traction until further notice. Steam locomotives are known to be a significant fire hazard during dry summer periods, capable of emitting embers and hot particles.

Despite the change in motive power, visitors can still reach the Brocken by train, with at least six round trips scheduled daily. However, steam enthusiasts will need to seek out other routes, as the HSB plans to keep steam locomotives in service on the Harzquerbahn and Selketalbahn lines. This is not the first time the HSB has made such a switch; the Brocken line has been converted to diesel operation multiple times in recent years due to elevated wildfire concerns.

The duration of this operational change depends on weather developments. The HSB is providing updates on the substitute timetable via its website and ticket offices. The company has not set a definitive date for the return of steam locomotives to the Brocken line, indicating the measure remains in effect until further notice.