Harz
 

I would like readers opinions, please. I wish to visit the Harz system, but the advertised packaged tours seem very expensive, eg. one in the current 'Steam Railway' advertises 5 days for nearly £700, minus 2 days travelling, add the cost of getting to London and you've got 3 days on the Harz for £700-plus. Has anyone gone as an individual, ie. getting a through ticket to Wenigerode (or wherever) and putting up at a simple, clean 2- or 3-star hotel or Gasthof? At least one could then stay for 6 or 8 days, say, and have a more relaxed time. How do the prices compare? Are the Harz rail fares expensive? ...and can one travel on the whole system?
If anyone could give me some advice on good ways of seeing the Harz, I'd be very grateful. Thanks.