Heatwave: Brocken Railway Switches to Diesel Locomotives Due to Wildfire Risk

The popular Brocken line, a scenic route in Germany's Harz Mountains, is temporarily switching from beloved steam locomotives to diesel engines. The Harz Narrow Gauge Railway (HSB) made the decision due to the region's high wildfire risk, currently at level 4. Steam engines are known to emit sparks and hot ash, posing a significant fire hazard during dry summer periods.

The change means that while visitors can still reach the Brocken summit by train, the nostalgic steam experience will be unavailable on this specific route for now. The HSB stated that at least six round trips will operate daily using diesel power. In contrast, steam locomotives will continue to run on the Harz West and Selke Valley lines, unaffected by the wildfire concerns.

This operational shift coincides with a forecast of hot and dry weather, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius in Saxony-Anhalt over the weekend and remain high in the coming days. The ongoing drought is a primary driver of the increased wildfire danger, as it further dries out vegetation and facilitates fire spread.

The HSB has implemented similar temporary switches to diesel operation on the Brocken line in past years due to wildfire risks. The duration of this current diesel-only service is indefinite and will remain in effect until further notice, depending on weather developments. The company advises passengers to check its website or sales points for the latest information on the replacement timetable.