Schleswig-Holstein is facing a mixed bag of challenges today, January 3, 2026, as a winter storm brings travel disruptions and a renewed look at healthcare access in the state.From icy roads and suspended bus routes to an increasing trend of investor-owned medical practices, this report from NDR SH delivers a concise overview of the key developments impacting residents across the region. The latest updates also include a boost for local soccer club Holstein kiel and the aftermath of a farm fire in Stormarn district.
AUDIO: Nachrichten 10:00 Uhr – 03.01.2026 (4 Min)
Stand: 03.01.2026 17:50 Uhr
News from Schleswig-Holstein for January 3, 2026 – compact and current in the news blog from NDR SH: Read here an overview of what is happening in the state and what is still important.
Here are the most important developments in brief:
03.01.2026 16:34 Uhr
Snowfall: Delays on Roads – Some Bus Routes Suspended
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Snowfall across Schleswig-Holstein is causing significant delays on roadways, including on the A7 and A23. Police report multiple accidents have already occurred. Bus service in Kiel has been suspended this afternoon due to icy conditions. The city’s transit authority, KVG, has temporarily halted operations. Following a bus accident in Klein Nordende (Pinneberg district) earlier in the day, bus routes around Uetersen, Wedel, Elmshorn and Tornesch were temporarily suspended, according to the Pinneberg public transport company (KViP). Firefighters in the south of the state have responded to around 60 incidents due to fallen trees, particularly around the Sachsenwald and Geesthacht forests. | NDR Schleswig-Holstein 03.01.2026 16:00 Uhr
03.01.2026 16:05 Uhr
More Family Doctors Practicing in Schleswig-Holstein
Medical care in Schleswig-Holstein has improved significantly in recent years, according to the state’s Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KVSH). Currently, there are nearly 1,950 family doctors practicing in Schleswig-Holstein. The KVSH reports only 48 positions remain unfilled – two years ago, that number was nearly 80. Cities like Kiel, Lübeck, Neumünster, and Ratzeburg (Herzogtum Lauenburg district) even have more family doctors than statistically needed, according to the KVSH. The situation remains more challenging in rural regions around Elmshorn (Pinneberg district), Kaltenkirchen (Segeberg district), Geesthacht (Herzogtum Lauenburg district), and Husum (Nordfriesland district). | NDR Schleswig-Holstein 03.01.2026 16:00 Uhr
03.01.2026 13:01 Uhr
Four Calves Die in Farm Fire in Stormarn District
Four calves died in a fire at a farm in Rausdorf (Stormarn district). According to police, the fire broke out in a hall Saturday morning. The hall housed 70 cows and 20 calves. Difficult winter road conditions and frozen water supplies complicated firefighting efforts. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Damage is estimated at around 20,000 euros. Police are investigating. | NDR Schleswig-Holstein 03.01.2026 13:00 Uhr
03.01.2026 11:39 Uhr
Soccer: Jonas Meffert Returns to Holstein Kiel from HSV
Second-division soccer club Holstein Kiel is gaining a familiar face: Jonas Meffert is returning from Hamburger SV, both clubs announced. Meffert previously played for Holstein Kiel from 2018 to 2021, appearing in nearly 100 matches. Additionally, 19-year-old offensive player Tayar Tasdalen will join the team from Holstein Kiel in the summer, signing a contract through June 2029. He comes from regional league club HSC Hannover. | NDR Schleswig-Holstein 03.01.2026 11:00 Uhr
03.01.2026 10:43 Uhr
Increasing Number of Doctor’s Offices in Schleswig-Holstein Sold to Investors
Experts say investors are increasingly acquiring so-called Medical Care Centers (MVZ) – larger practices with multiple employed doctors. The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Schleswig-Holstein (KVSH) fears that examinations and operations will only be carried out if they are economically viable. Patient advisors in Schleswig-Holstein also report complaints about MVZs, because patients are not always clearly informed about what they have to pay for themselves. It is also often unclear who is behind which care center. The Federal Association of MVZ Operators says that investors are not only interested in profits. MVZs strengthen outpatient care because doctors do not have to worry about bureaucracy. | NDR Schleswig-Holstein 03.01.2026 10:00 Uhr
