Long-Distance Rail Services Resume in Northern Germany Post-Storm

Long-distance rail services in northern Germany have resumed following disruptions caused by severe winter weather. The rail operator Deutsche Bahn announced on the morning of March 3, 2024, that all main routes are back in operation, though a reduced service remains in effect, and cancellations may still occur.

The impact of winter storm Elli led to the complete suspension of long-distance services on March 1, 2024. By Saturday, Deutsche Bahn began the gradual resumption of these services, starting with the Hamburg–Bremen and Osnabrück–Frankfurt routes, which reopened in the afternoon.

By early Sunday, trains were also operating from Hamburg to southern Germany, passing through Hanover and Kassel. Services were restored from Berlin to major cities in North Rhine-Westphalia via Hanover, as well as on the main Hamburg–Berlin route. However, these routes are not yet running on their full schedules.

Deutsche Bahn indicated that services to Denmark and the Netherlands, along with connections to coastal areas, are expected to resume throughout Sunday. Despite these improvements, significant disruptions continue in local transport within the northern states of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony.

“Several routes cannot yet be operated,” Deutsche Bahn noted, adding that gradual timetable increases would follow clearance efforts. Meanwhile, Hamburg’s S-Bahn commuter train network is functioning “largely as normal.”

Passengers are encouraged to verify the current traffic situation using the DB Navigator app or online before setting out on their journeys. A toll-free telephone hotline is also available for inquiries.

As the situation develops, Deutsche Bahn remains committed to restoring full service as soon as possible, prioritizing passenger safety and convenience.