German railways operator Deutsche Bahn on Thursday announced an end to a strike that had paralysed rail travel in the country, after the feuding sides agreed to mediation.

"Thousands of customers can breathe easier: the GdL (train driver union) strike is over with immediate effect," said a Deutsche Bahn statement, adding that it and the union had agreed overnight to have a mediator appointed to settle their months-long dispute over wages, work hours and negotiating rights.