Environment
Cross-Border Transit Hit: Untersee Ferries Between Germany and Switzerland Stalled by Low Water
Exceptionally low water levels on the Untersee, part of Lake Constance between Germany and Switzerland, have disrupted passenger boat services and closed several landing stages. German operator Bodensee-Schiffsbetriebe suspended its Untersee routes on October 1, 2026, citing the risk of vessels becoming grounded. Swiss operator URh introduced reduced services and alternative routes. Water levels were approximately 90 centimetres below the seasonal average on October 6. Satellite imagery published by the European Union's Copernicus programme shows shallow water and exposed lakebed near Reichenau Island. Some weekend cruises remain scheduled through November 8, but travelers are advised to check the latest service restrictions.