Brocken Railway Train near Schierke Station

This image was taken from the side of the train tracks of the Brocken Railway near Schierke Station, facing south. If you'd like to pay the expensive fee, you can take the train and get off at the Schierke Station, which is within walking distance from where I took the photo. Alternatively, you can drive to the town of Wernigerode and then walk from the public parking lot (51.765308, 10.676289). Be aware that if you park in the lot there will be a fee of €8 per day. Once you arrive to the location of where I stood for this view (reference the GPS coordinate in satellite mode), make sure you position yourself facing south to capture the oncoming train. The station will be in your view, but with all of the smoke from the train, you won't be able to see it in your photo. For more information about the train, check the schedule online: https://www.hsb-wr.de/Fahrplan-Tarife/Fahrplaene

This view of the Brocken Railway at Shierke Station is best photographed in the winter months when there's snow.

Visit the train station during the day for the best natural light.

I recommend using a telephoto lens (134.4mm) to make sure that everything — even the background — appears super close. Without a telephoto or zoom lens, you won't be able to frame a close-up of the train.

Center the train and use the trees to frame your composition, while also incorporating the smoke for a dramatic background.

Check the train schedule (https://www.hsb-wr.de/Fahrplan-Tarife/Fahrplaene/) before visiting this area so that you know exactly when the train will pass through your frame.

The train goes all the way up to Brocken, which is the highest peak of the Harz mountain. It's a pricey train ride, but if you want the full experience, then go for it!

Check out the nearby Wernigerode Castle. A short 30-minute drive away, this 19th-century castle is one of the most visited in the area.