Long-Distance Rail Services Resume in Northern Germany After Storm

Long-distance rail services in northern Germany have resumed following a temporary suspension due to severe winter weather conditions caused by winter storm Elli. The rail operator Deutsche Bahn announced on the morning of March 10, 2024, that all main routes are operational again, although some services remain limited.

On March 8, Deutsche Bahn completely halted long-distance services in northern Germany due to the storm’s impact. By the following day, the operator confirmed plans to gradually restore these services. As of Saturday afternoon, trains on the Hamburg–Bremen-Osnabrück–Frankfurt route were already back in operation.

Service Gradually Restored

As of early Sunday, trains are also running on the route from Hamburg to southern Germany, passing through the cities of Hanover and Kassel. Additionally, services from Berlin to major cities in North Rhine-Westphalia are operational, including the main Hamburg–Berlin connection. However, Deutsche Bahn cautioned that full schedules are not yet restored.

The rail operator indicated that services to Denmark and the Netherlands, as well as routes to coastal areas, are expected to resume on the same day. Despite these advancements, significant disruptions continue in local transport within the northern states of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower SaxonyTravel Advice and Current Operations

While long-distance services are being restored, the S-Bahn commuter train network in Hamburg is reportedly operating “largely as normal.” Deutsche Bahn has encouraged travellers to verify the current traffic situation using the DB Navigator app or their website before embarking on their journeys. A toll-free telephone hotline is also available for further assistance.