Berlin: Ice & Snow Cause Travel Chaos - U-Bahn Disrupted

After a spell of heavy snow and ice across several German states, Thursday 5 February 2026 brings a heightened risk of icy roads and sidewalks in the east of the country, with the German Weather Service (DWD) warning of area‑wide freezing rain in Saxony, Saxony‑Anhalt, Brandenburg and Berlin.

Impact on Berlin’s U‑Bahn network

The early‑morning chill has already forced partial shutdowns on two lines. The BVG reports that line U2 is currently not operating between Wittenbergplatz and S+U Potsdamer Platz as well as between Rosa‑Luxemburg‑Platz and S+U Pankow. Line U3 also suffers interruptions, with service halted between Warschauer Straße and Gleisdreieck and again between Krumme Lanke and Breitenbachplatz.

Weather warning details

The DWD’s official warning, issued Wednesday evening, covers the period from 02:00 to 10:00 on Thursday for the southeast and east of Brandenburg – including Cottbus, Frankfurt (Oder), Bernau and Oranienburg – and the eastern districts of Berlin. The forecast also predicts possible freezing rain and localized ice in Berlin later Thursday evening, heavy snowfall in northern and western Brandenburg, and temperatures dropping to between –2 °C and –6 °C.

Did You Know? Freezing rain on 26 January caused the Berlin tram network’s overhead lines to freeze, forcing a complete suspension of tram services until the network was fully restored on 31 January.

Preparedness measures

The BVG and the Berlin City Cleaning Service (BSR) have mobilised additional vehicles and drivers for supplemental trips. A brush‑and‑lubrication train will keep U‑Bahn tracks and overhead lines clear, while the BSR will pre‑emptively spread grit on frost‑prone sections.

During the Verdi strike the previous Monday, the BVG ran trams without passengers to prevent further icing of the overhead lines. The BUND has urged the BVG to implement night “bügelfahrten” – ice‑scraping runs – to avoid a repeat of total service outages.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the convergence of freezing rain and already‑slick surfaces creates a “perfect storm” for public‑transport disruption. While the BVG’s contingency plans mitigate immediate risks, the lingering cold could strain resources, especially if snowfall intensifies in surrounding Brandenburg, potentially forcing further service curtailments.

What to expect next

Analysts expect that if freezing rain materialises later Thursday, additional sections of the U‑Bahn and tram network could face temporary closures. The BSR’s decision to focus on main traffic arteries suggests that peripheral streets may experience slower snow‑clearing, increasing travel times for commuters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which regions are covered by the DWD ice warning?

The warning applies to the southeast and east of Brandenburg (Cottbus, Frankfurt (Oder), Bernau, Oranienburg) and the eastern districts of Berlin, with a validity window from 02:00 to 10:00 on Thursday.

Which U‑Bahn lines are currently affected?

Line U2 is not running between Wittenbergplatz‑Potsdamer Platz and Rosa‑Luxemburg‑Platz‑Pankow; line U3 is disrupted between Warschauer Straße‑Gleisdreieck and Krumme Lanke‑Breitenbachplatz.

What actions have the BVG and BSR taken to address the weather?

The BVG has deployed extra vehicles and drivers for supplemental trips, and a brush‑and‑lubrication train will keep tracks clear. The BSR will spread grit on critical points and has shifted its focus to main traffic routes to ensure essential services remain operational.

How are you planning to navigate the icy conditions on Thursday?

Berlin: Ice & Snow Cause Travel Chaos – U-Bahn Disrupted