Travel Disruptions on the ICE Line Connecting Berlin and Munich
A suspected arson attack on a railway underpass in Hirschaid, Germany, has caused significant disruptions to long-distance and regional train services, with Deutsche Bahn confirming delays and cancellations until at least July 10, 2025.
The fire in the underpass has resulted in severe damage to the railway structure, forcing the closure of the affected rail section between Bamberg and Forchheim (Oberfranken). This incident has affected travel between Nuremberg and Erfurt, as well as between Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and Gera.
ICE trains between Nuremberg and Erfurt in both directions are being rerouted and delayed by approximately 90 minutes. Individual IC trains between Nuremberg and Leipzig (via Jena) and between Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and Gera have been cancelled. ICE train travel between Berlin and Munich is experiencing significant delays until at least Thursday morning.
However, no changes were reported in the rerouting or delays for trains between Nuremberg and Erfurt or between Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and Gera in this specific update. The stops in Erlangen and Bamberg will be omitted for some train connections.
Replacement bus services have been set up between Forchheim and Bamberg due to the track closure, and alternative routes via Würzburg have been implemented to mitigate the disruption for passengers.
Authorities and Deutsche Bahn have stated that repair plans are underway for the damaged infrastructure, but there is no public information available yet regarding the status of the investigation into the arson itself. The criminal police are investigating the suspected arson case related to the fire in the railway underpass.
The "Bild" newspaper previously reported on this disruption in rail traffic. It is unclear at this time whether the disruption is causing delays and cancellations for other train connections beyond those mentioned.
The arson incident has disrupted public-transit services in the transportation sector, specifically impacting long-distance and regional train services, including ICE trains. Finance and industry sectors may also experience indirect effects due to disruptions in transportation, such as delayed deliveries or altered supply chains.
