Pied Piper & the Fairytale Harz Mountains

After crossing the border into Germany, we visit the Möhne Dam in the Ruhr Valley. Heroically and critically breached by the Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron during WWII, since known as the Dambusters, the rebuilt dam and lake are now home to a European bird sanctuary. From here, we continue to our Goslar-based hotel, found in glorious natural surroundings on the slopes of the Harz Mountains.

Our day begins in the quaint town of Hamelin, located on the River Weser. Best known as the home of the Pied Piper, written by two of Germany's most famous sons, the Brothers Grimm, Hamelin is a beautiful historic town with magnificent timber-framed buildings with many dating back to the Renaissance period. Guided by hundreds of handpainted rats, follow the Pied Piper's steps down the 'rat trail' and explore this gorgeous town's cafés, inns, cosy beer gardens and pretty little shops.

Enjoy a free day to explore Goslar or alternatively join us for an optional excursion to Wernigerode with a journey on the Brockenbahn railway. We first take in a scenic drive towards the delightful town of Wernigerode; nestled in the northern foothills of the Harz Mountains, this attractive, colourful town is home to an impressive medieval centre, hundreds of charming, timber-framed houses and a fascinating fairytale castle. Afterwards, enjoy a journey on the Brockenbahn, the flagship line of the Harz Narrow Gauge Railway. Sit back as the steam locomotive climbs the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, the Brocken summit, over one kilometre tall.

Explore over a thousand years of history in the former imperial city of Goslar this morning. Referred to as the 'Rome of the North', Goslar was the favoured seat of government of the Holy Roman Empire for centuries. With almost fifty churches, chapels and monasteries defining the town's unique silhouette, stroll through and explore the crooked, cobble-stoned streets of this designated World Heritage Site. This afternoon, we include an excursion to another treasure of the Harz region, Quedlinburg. A city with over one-thousand years of history and home to many half-timbered houses from eight different centuries, the Old Town has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and is home to one of the best-preserved collections of medieval buildings in Germany.

Leaving the Harz Mountains, we begin our homeward journey, crossing into Belgium for an overnight stay.

Our tour comes to a close today as we cross the English Channel and return home.