Früter trains on Lake Constance: Hotels are fighting noise and tourism fears!

Früter trains on Lake Constance: Hotels are fighting noise and tourism fears!

Nonnenhorn, Deutschland - Since March 2025, freight traffic on the southern railway between Friedrichshafen and Lindau has increased significantly. This development causes resentment among residents and hoteliers in the region, which report the effects of increased train traffic. In particular, the increased noise by the freight trains, which cross the sea communities up to ten times a day, is a topic that deals with many citizens and vacationers. Hans-Jörg Witzigmann, hotel owner in Nonnenhorn, finds that the topic is present in his hotel, even if no frequent complaints have been received by guests.

Peter Marschall, hotelier in the teddy bear hotel in Kressbronn, comments concerned about the negative feedback from his guests, in particular which affect the night noise of the trains. Vacationers are looking for peace and relaxation in this region, and Marshal demands a regulation for rest periods that would be comparable to those in air traffic. Deutsche Bahn plans not to let more than ten freight trains drive on this route a day, and has emphasized that the trains mainly run at night to disturb passenger transport as little as possible.

background of the changes

The increase in freight transport on the southern railway is the result of the electrification of the route, which was completed at the end of 2021. The new overhead line took place in December 2021 and affects both the routes between Ulm and Friedrichshafen as well as between Friedrichshafen and Lindau-Aschach. This electrification has enabled Deutsche Bahn to expand freight traffic.

Ten years ago, freight traffic on this route was still very sporadic. At that time, freight trains only ran occasionally, while the number of passenger trains rose from 70 to 75 daily. In the current years, the hoteliers observe a growing dissatisfaction with the train and the feeling that their concerns are not sufficient attention. Although the tourist information in the Seegemeinden has not yet seen any massive symptoms, it can be hoped that the situation can stabilize during the season.

an important traffic axis

The electrification of the Südbahn is part of a larger project that also includes the High Rhine between Basel and Erzingen. According to the current plans, electrical trains are to be used on the Hochrheinstrasse by 2027, and the development of the Lake Constance belt railway offers an important gap closure between the Hochrhein region and the Swabian Alb. This expansion is not only important for the local population, but also for the connection between larger cities such as Basel, Konstanz, Friedrichshafen, Stuttgart, Ulm and Munich.

While the infrastructure is improved, the challenge of bringing the needs of residents and tourists into harmony with logistical growth remains. In view of the current circumstances, it will be important to find solutions that take into account both the need for transport and the quality of life in the region. Further information on the electrified routes can be found on the website Bodensee Bürtelbahn and detailed reports on the situation on Lake Constance are on Tagesschau available.