ADAC Expects Traffic Jams This Weekend Due to Return Travel from Summer Holidays

Rainer Pregla, spokesperson for ADAC Schleswig-Holstein, described the constellation as unfavorable. "Die Ausnahme kommt verkehrlich zu einem denkbar ungünstigen Zeitpunkt: Genau jetzt rollt die große Rückreisewelle," he said. The club spoke of an "extremes Staurisiko" on several main routes.

Affected Routes and Regions

According to the ADAC, particularly affected are routes that are traditionally heavily frequented. These include the A7 between Hamburg and Denmark, the A7 around Hannover, as well as the A2 toward Berlin and Saxony-Anhalt. The club also expects denser traffic on the A9 and A3.

The strain is compounded by travel traffic heading to the Alpine countries. The autobahns toward Austria and into Switzerland are also heavily utilized, it was reported. Transit routes through Bavaria could become additionally congested due to weekend traffic.

The ADAC recommends that drivers postpone their return trip to weekdays before or after the weekend if possible. Those traveling on Saturday or Sunday should use the early morning hours or late evening to avoid the largest waves of traffic jams.

The club also advises checking current traffic reports before departure and planning sufficient breaks. Construction sites are active on several routes, increasing the risk of delays.

Background: End of Holidays and Return Travel Wave

The holiday calendar of the federal states also plays a role. In several states, the summer holidays end this week and next, causing families to begin their return journey simultaneously. This concentration intensifies the already high travel volume.

The ADAC also pointed out that the traffic situation could fluctuate significantly depending on the weather and same-day developments. A reliable forecast is only possible a few hours in advance. Travelers should therefore remain flexible.

Overall, the club expects increased traffic volume on the north-south and west-east axes. In addition to the autobahns, there could also be disruptions on federal and state roads around the metropolitan areas of Hamburg, Hannover, and Berlin.

The ADAC also called on road users to drive defensively and maintain sufficient distance. During traffic jam phases, rear-end collisions typically occur more frequently, which could further worsen the situation.

ADAC Tips for Travelers

Those who travel flexibly and choose times outside the main weekend traffic hours have the best chances of avoiding longer waiting times, according to the club's assessment. Commuters should also expect delays on detour routes.

According to its own statements, the automobile club will provide continuous updates on current traffic jam situations through its app and on the internet.