The controversial full closure of the Saale at Bad Kösen is to be temporarily lifted for the peak tourist season, according to the State Administration Office. According to the office, the full closure of the Saale will initially be lifted from August 16 in the afternoon until August 18 in the evening. A continuous opening is then to be implemented from 23 August to 20 October 2024. The Saale will then be closed out of season in order to continue the necessary restoration measures. A reopening is then planned for spring 2025.
On Monday, Deutsche Bahn requested the suspension of the Saale closure following a consultation with all parties involved. "I am grateful to everyone involved for their very constructive cooperation and to the water police for their swiftly prepared statement. As a result, we were finally able to issue the corresponding order to temporarily lift the closure today," said the President of the State Office of Administration, Thomas Pleye.
