Motorists in Germany have to prepare for heavy traffic on motorways on weekends
Drivers in Germany should brace for heavy traffic on highways this weekend. With school holidays currently ongoing in almost all federal states, this is one of the busiest weekends of the year, an ADAC spokesperson said on Thursday in Munich. In Bremen, Lower Saxony, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt, the last holiday weekend is also approaching, so expect increased return traffic.
It could also be busy in urban areas like North Rhine-Westphalia, the spokesperson added. Around Munich, there is traditionally heavy traffic due to many travelers heading to and from the south.
According to ADAC, the longest delays are expected at highway construction sites, many of which remain open during the summer travel season. The ADAC recommends flexible travelers to depart mid-week, for example on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Patience is also required on international routes. Congestion is expected on heavily traveled routes in Switzerland and Austria, as well as on major roads to the Italian, French, and Croatian coasts. Delays are also expected on major roads to and from Scandinavia, Poland, and the Netherlands.
Border controls could also add about an hour to travel time. The ADAC reports that German controls have been focusing on entry from Austria for years. However, increased controls are also taking place at the borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Due to the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris until August 11, travelers at German-French border crossings are also being checked more frequently.
During these school holidays, families might opt for road trips, contributing to the heavy traffic on highways. Following the holidays, students in Bremen, Lower Saxony, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt will also be returning, leading to increased return traffic.
