Chaotic Summer Vacation Traffic on Highways as Per ADAC
As the summer holidays approach, motorists in northern Germany are bracing for increased traffic congestion, particularly on the roads leading to the North and Baltic Sea coasts. The popular holiday destinations of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are expected to experience significant delays, especially during peak travel times[1][3][5].
The A24 motorway, which connects Berlin and Hamburg, is a major hotspot for traffic jams. This crucial route is a popular choice for travelers heading to the northern coastal regions, including Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein[1][3]. Other major highways towards the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts in these regions will also see heavy traffic, especially during peak travel times such as Friday afternoons from 2 PM to 6 PM, Saturday mornings, and Sunday afternoons[1][3].
The congestion is exacerbated by approximately 1,000 ongoing construction sites on German motorways, including key autobahns near Hamburg and in Schleswig-Holstein[3][5]. These construction zones cause additional delays, making the journey even more challenging.
The heavy traffic is expected to start from the first weekend of holidays (July 25–27, 2025) due to overlapping vacation periods in Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Schleswig-Holstein, as well as returning travelers from eastern states[1]. Truck traffic bans on Saturdays from 7 AM to 8 PM on heavily congested routes aim to alleviate delays, but peak hours will still be challenging[3].
In Hamburg, congested areas include the Elbtunnel on the A7 in both directions, the A1 southeast of the Hanseatic city, the Norderelb bridge, and construction work at the Horster triangle[6]. Schleswig-Holstein's roads will also be very busy, with the journey to the Baltic Sea coast becoming a "Tour de Congestion". Construction sites at Bargteheide, Lübeck, Pansdorf, Neustadt, and the A7 at the Rader high bridge over the North-Ostsee canal will further contribute to the traffic problems in Schleswig-Holstein[4].
For those with flexibility, it's recommended to consider off-peak travel times or weekdays to minimize time spent in traffic. Starting as early or as late as possible can help avoid congestion.
For more information about ADAC Hansa e.V., the Deputy Head of Press and Public Relations, Christof Tietgen, can be contacted at +49 175 20 48 54 8 or via email at [email protected][2]. Additional information about ADAC Hansa e.V. can be found on the websites www.adac.de/hansa and www.adacreisen.de. Information on data protection for ADAC Hansa e.V. can be found at www.adac.de/hansa-infopflicht.
It's always a good idea to have enough fuel in the tank or sufficient battery capacity, and to have drinks and snacks on board to bridge breaks. Schools are still open in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, so travelers from these regions will not be affected by school holiday traffic.
[1] Traffic Congestion Forecast document titled "250722_TrafficCongestionForecast.pdf" [2] Christof Tietgen is the Deputy Head of Press and Public Relations at ADAC Hansa e.V. [3] Traffic Congestion Forecast for Northern Germany in 2025 - ADAC [4] Schleswig-Holstein's roads to the Baltic Sea coast become "Tour de Congestion" [5] A24 motorway: Traffic jams expected on the way to the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts this summer [6] Hamburg: Elbtunnel, A1, Norderelb bridge, Horster triangle - congested areas during the summer holidays
Travelers choosing the A24 motorway as their route to the northern coastal regions, including Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein, should prepare for heavy traffic, especially during peak travel times. The congestion on this crucial route is further complicated by approximately 1,000 ongoing construction sites on German motorways, particularly near Hamburg and in Schleswig-Holstein.
