German train drivers are returning to work after the longest-ever strike in Deutsche Bahn's history. Workers walked off the job for one week amid a dispute with the national rail service over wages and working hours.

The German train drivers' strike ended officially on Sunday morning, but authorities warned it would take some time for the country's rail network to return to normal.

Deutsche Bahn said suburban and regional trains would be running as scheduled by the afternoon, while long distance services were expected to remain limited throughout the day. Banked-up goods meant freight trains will likely be affected for several days to come, the rail service added.

Claus Weselsky, the head of the GDL train drivers union, told newspaper "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeiting" no further strikes were planned for the time being.

 DW