Germany is currently in the midst of summer holidays, with the last two federal states, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, starting their school-free period this weekend. The ADAC has warned that this weekend is likely to be one of the busiest of the season, with heavy traffic expected across the country. As all 16 federal states are now on vacation, the roads are expected to be particularly crowded.
In the summer of 2025, the first weekend in August was the most congested of the year, with a total of 4,201 traffic jams recorded. With the entire country in the school-free period, drivers should prepare for similar conditions this weekend. The ADAC has noted that the risk of traffic jams is especially high in the south of Germany, where Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria are starting their summer holidays at the same time as other regions.
Drivers heading to the North and Baltic Seas, the Mediterranean, or the Alps should brace for delays. Major highways such as the north-south routes (A1, A5, A7, A9, A61, A81) and east-west routes (A2, A3, A4, A6, A8) will experience heavy congestion. Additionally, the bypasses around major cities like Hamburg (A1, A7), Berlin (A10, A100), and Munich (A99) will be particularly impacted.
The A23 highway between Hamburg and Heide is expected to be heavily stressed this weekend due to the Wacken Open Air festival, a popular music event. Commuters in and out of large urban centers will also face significant delays, as traffic is expected to be heavy on all main routes leading into and out of these cities.
Construction Sites Add to the Traffic
The ADAC has noted that over 1,000 construction sites and road closures are already in place, which are exacerbating the already heavy traffic conditions. For example, the A27 in Bremen is completely closed in both directions between Bremen-Horn/Lehe and Bremen-Vahr, and this closure will remain until October 28, 2027. The road is closed every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Similarly, the A44 near Essen is closed between Velbert-Nord and Hetterscheidt through the Tunnel Birth, with this closure lasting from July 21 to October 12.
In the Netherlands, the A9 highway between Beverwijk and Heemskerk is closed due to roadwork, affecting traffic heading toward the North Sea. While detours are in place, travelers should anticipate added travel time when crossing into this region. These closures and construction activities are making the situation on the already crowded roads even worse.
Border Crossings and Demonstrations Pose Further Delays
Drivers traveling to neighboring countries should expect significant delays at border crossings. Similar delays are expected on the A11 between Berlin and Stettin and on the route from Munich to Salzburg or Rosenheim to Kufstein. Travelers heading to Italy via the Brenner motorway will also likely face congestion, and the Swiss Automobile Association, TCS, has warned of a three-and-a-half-hour wait at the Gotthard Tunnel heading south.
Demonstrations are expected to cause additional delays on Saturday. The Fern Pass and the nearby Hahntennjochstrasse will be affected, and drivers should avoid these routes if possible. The ADAC advises travelers to consider alternative routes or to delay their journeys until conditions improve. Creating an emergency lane in stalled traffic is essential, as is bringing food and drinks, especially if you're traveling with children.
The ADAC has also highlighted a growing trend in traffic congestion. As the end of the holidays approaches in Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland, and as many Scandinavian regions begin to return from vacation, the return trips are likely to see even longer traffic jams than the journeys going out. Drivers are encouraged to be prepared for extended travel times and to plan accordingly.
In sum, the ADAC is urging drivers to exercise caution and flexibility during this busy weekend. With the entire country on vacation and additional road closures in place, the roads will be significantly more congested than usual. By planning alternative routes, timing trips during off-peak hours, and preparing for delays, drivers can help reduce the stress of travel during this hectic period.
