Watch this magical train gliding through the snow
As we get back into virtual travel again, one social media user has brought a little magic to our armchair adventures by capturing a mesmerising winter train video you'll want to watch on repeat.
Sharing the captivating video shot from Germany's little-known Harz Mountains on Instagram, user @evoumina is giving us inspiration for our post-pandemic holidays.
The impressive footage shows the Brocken Railway as it chugs through the snow-covered forests of the Harz.
Steam is seen rising into the air as the train glides past rows of pine trees on both sides.
Its deep red carriages and the magic of the white winter snow covering the area creates a fairy tale-like scene you'd expect to see in a Disney film.
Fortunately, the Brocken Railway is very real and a train ride you can experience after lockdown.
Part of the Harz Railway's route and leading up to the Brocken (the highest peak of the Harz mountain range), the Brocken Railway dates back to the 1890s but was closed due to damage during World War II.
It reopened in 1992 and now allows travellers to join from the station of Drei Annen Hohne at 1,778ft before it makes a steady climb up the Brocken.
There's mystery and magic to the mountain too, as legend says that on Walpurgis Night (30th April and 1st May), witches ride on their broomsticks to the top of the Brocken and dance at the top around a bonfire.
The crisp air and stunning snow covering makes the Brocken Railway a joy to experience in winter, but the warmer months are another phenomenal time to ride the historic steam train, when you can take in the lush views.
In fact, Country Living has an exclusive rail tour of Germany, which takes in the magnificent Brocken Railway over five days.
However, if an enchanting Harry Potter-esque rail journey in winter is how you see you're imagining your post-lockdown escape, you'll want to check out Switzerland's breathtaking Glacier Express in February 2022.
This incredible book-ahead railway trip from Country Living in the Swiss Alps is known as the world’s slowest express train (it is an eight-hour experience, after all!) and takes you over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and climbs to the top of the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres.
Better still, why not ride the real-life Hogwarts Express right here in the UK with Country Living? Taking you through glorious Scottish Highland scenery, the Jacobite steam train is so impressive that it featured in the Harry Potter movies.
The 84-mile journey takes you past some of Britain's most impressive scenery and its highlight has to be passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a landmark every Potter fan knows! The 21-arch viaduct sits at the head of Loch Shiel and 100ft above ground - it's an incredible sight everyone should see.
Browse Country Living's exclusive rail tours for a holiday after lockdown
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