Germany, like many other countries, has suffered some extreme winter weather in February, causing transport chaos with roads and railways temporarily closing.
Here’s a look behind the scenes at how Germany’s state-owned railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, has been coping with the snow and ice in order to run services in this severe weather.
Firstly, the tracks have to be cleared of snow:
Snow thrower in the Black Forest
© Deutsche Bahn | Christian Wolf
Snow thrower at Titisee Station
© Deutsche Bahn | Christian Wolf
Snow plough BR 751 near Altenbeken
© Deutsche Bahn | Michael Neuhaus
Snow plough at Halle Station
© Deutsche Bahn | Oliver Lang
One of the major difficulties in freezing conditions is keeping points ice-free so they can remain functional:
Points around Halle being freed from snow and ice
© Deutsche Bahn | Oliver Lang
Points heaters
© Deutsche Bahn | Oliver Lang
Munich Central Station: despite functioning points heaters railway workers have to remove the snow from the points because of the heavy snowfall
© Deutsche Bahn | Uwe Miethe
Maintenance vehicles have to perform well in this weather too. Such as this one, which maintains overhead line equipment:
Overhead line equipment maintenance vehicle in North-Rhine Westphalia
© Deutsche Bahn | Michael Neuhaus
But when everything is working, travelling by train is the best way to enjoy this winter wonderland:
An ICE series 411 in the Haunetal in Hesse
© Deutsche Bahn | Oliver Lang
