Himmelreich Railway Tunnel Portal

The tunnel used to have two tracks. There is a lot of space, but we recommend checking the timetable so that you don't have to encounter a train in the tunnel, which isn't so nice for the train driver either.

Above the tunnel are the Itelklippen.
From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the western South Harz at any time of year.

The railway tunnel through the Himmelreich gypsum massif was built in 1868. During the tunnelling work, workers discovered the Himmelreich Cave - a huge karst cave with a hall 382 metres long and 15 metres high. The tunnel was built directly through this cave and covered with stone several metres high to protect it from falling rocks from the cave ceiling. Nevertheless, several major repairs have been necessary to this structure since it was put into operation. Staying in the Himmelreich Cave was not without danger. During the construction work, several people were killed and injured by falling rocks. For this reason, initial plans to make the cave accessible to tourists were quickly abandoned. In the picture you can see the western tunnel entrance. Both tunnel ends were provided with beautiful portals, which were designed in the historicist style typical of the time. They are now listed buildings.