According to Deutsche Bahn, the heavily used rail section between Bamberg and Forchheim remains impassable and is unlikely to reopen before Sunday. As a result, long-distance traffic on the high-speed ICE route between Munich and Berlin continues to face significant disruptions.
Police Suspect Arson Behind Early Morning Fire
The fire broke out early Friday morning in the underpass. Preliminary investigations indicated that stored wooden pallets and slats caught fire and the flames quickly spread to the adjacent embankment. The resulting heat severely damaged the structure. The Bamberg Criminal Police Department is investigating the incident on suspicion of deliberate arson.
Severe Consequences for Rail Transport
The affected section between Bamberg and Forchheim is a key segment of the north-south rail axis, particularly for ICE trains operating between Munich and Berlin. Since Friday, both regional and long-distance trains have experienced major disruptions and extended travel times. ICE connections are currently being rerouted on a large scale via Würzburg, adding up to 100 minutes to journeys in both directions.
Additionally, regular stops in Coburg, Bamberg, and Erlangen have been suspended on this route. Due to limited capacity on the detour lines, several Intercity connections have also been cancelled, including routes between Leipzig and Nuremberg and between Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and Gera.
Temporary Bridges to Restore Service
To reopen the line as quickly as possible, Deutsche Bahn is working at full speed to install two temporary support bridges, each weighing 25 tonnes. The damaged track bed must first be removed before a rail-mounted special crane can precisely position the replacement bridges. Deutsche Bahn aims to complete these works by Sunday so that service can resume normally from Monday.
Replacement Buses for Local Transport
For regional and S-Bahn passengers, Deutsche Bahn has set up a rail replacement service. Buses and large-capacity taxis are operating between Forchheim and Bamberg to bridge the gap. Passengers traveling from Bamberg to Nuremberg are advised to transfer via Würzburg or Bayreuth.
Additional Disruptions and Alternative Routes
Coinciding with the fire-related disruption, construction work on another line—between Erfurt and Halle/Leipzig—is scheduled to conclude this weekend. As a result, Deutsche Bahn expects to run more long-distance trains between Berlin and Munich on Saturday and Sunday. However, full resumption of normal operations is not expected before Monday morning. Passengers are urged to check for updates before beginning their journeys.
Summary and Outlook
The fire damage to the railway infrastructure between Bamberg and Forchheim has had far-reaching effects on both regional and long-distance train traffic. The suspected arson complicates the situation further, as criminal investigations now run parallel to urgent repair work. Despite intensive efforts, the line will remain closed until at least Sunday. Deutsche Bahn has committed to restoring full service as quickly as possible and asks travelers for patience and to stay informed through official updates.
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