Heavy Traffic Expected on Bavaria's Roads as School Holidays End: ADAC Issues Cautious Outlook

As the school holiday period draws to a close in several German states, motorists in Bavaria are being advised to anticipate significant congestion on major routes over the upcoming weekend. The German Automobile Club (ADAC) for Southern Bavaria has forecasted a notable increase in traffic, particularly on Saturday and Sunday during daytime hours.

The expected surge in travellers is attributed to the simultaneous conclusion of school holidays in Bavaria, Thuringia, and Saxony. Additionally, the end of the Winter Olympics in Italy is projected to contribute to increased movement, albeit without causing overwhelming cross-border traffic. Nevertheless, the ADAC notes that these factors will collectively add pressure to already busy roads.

Affected Routes and Traffic Hotspots

Several highways and transit corridors are anticipated to be especially affected. High traffic volumes are likely on the Fernpass route towards Füssen and Garmisch, the A7 from Füssen in the direction of Ulm, the A95 between Garmisch and Munich, and the A8 connecting Salzburg and Munich. The Inntal Autobahn from Innsbruck, with a focus on the border crossing at Kiefersfelden, is also expected to see significant delays.

Nationally, the ADAC's congestion forecast highlights additional problem areas, including sections of the A8, the A96 between Munich and Lindau, and the Munich ring road (A99). Beyond Germany's borders, traffic bottlenecks are anticipated in Austria, notably on the Tauern, Inntal, and Brenner motorways, where ongoing construction projects will likely exacerbate the situation. In Switzerland, the A1 between Bern and Zurich, the Gotthard route (A2), and the A3 from Basel towards Zurich are highlighted as critical points. Italy's Brenner Autobahn (A22) and key access roads into the South Tyrolean valleys are also expected to experience higher traffic loads.

Weather-Related Challenges

Weather conditions may further complicate the situation for drivers. In elevated regions, wintry weather could slow traffic and lead to hazardous driving conditions. However, the ADAC points out that moderate weather might deter some day-trippers, potentially offering slight relief on certain routes.

Guidance for Motorists

For those planning to travel during the peak return period, the ADAC advises allowing for extended travel times and exercising patience. The association does not recommend taking alternative routes or backroads, as these rarely yield time savings and can sometimes be illegal. Postponing the journey until Monday is not considered a viable solution either; while holiday traffic may lessen, commercial truck traffic typically increases at the start of the workweek, which can also lead to delays.

In summary, drivers in Bavaria and neighboring countries should be prepared for prolonged travel times, especially on key transit routes. Staying informed about current traffic updates and planning journeys carefully are strongly recommended to minimize disruption during this busy period.