Snowed-in and iced switches disrupt rail traffic - Freezing weather and strikes disrupt Germany’s northern rail services
Trains in northern Germany are mostly running on time despite freezing conditions. However, some services in Lower Saxony and Bremen face delays due to extreme weather and an upcoming strike. Deutsche Bahn has issued warnings for passengers travelling in the region.
Cold temperatures and heavy snow have caused problems for railway switches in northern Germany. Ice and snowdrifts can block the tracks, even when built-in heaters are in use. In some cases, workers must clear the lines by hand to keep trains moving.
Services around Braunschweig and Hanover experienced temporary delays because of the weather. Deutsche Bahn had already announced possible disruptions for regional trains in Lower Saxony and Bremen until January 9. But now, a separate issue is adding to the challenges.
The GDL train drivers' union has called for a strike starting January 9, 2026. This action will affect major stations, including Hannover Hauptbahnhof, Bremen Hauptbahnhof, Osnabrück Hauptbahnhof, and Oldenburg Hauptbahnhof. Passengers have been advised to check for updates before travelling.
The combination of severe winter weather and industrial action is likely to cause further delays and cancellations. Deutsche Bahn has urged travellers to plan ahead and expect possible interruptions. Updates on affected routes will be provided as the situation develops.
