Heavy congestion anticipated at the onset of the holiday period according to ADAC. - Traffic congestion predicted at holiday onset according to ADAC's alert
Heavy Traffic Ahead: ADAC Warns of Summer Vacation Traffic Jams in Europe
Travelers planning a summer vacation in the south of Europe should brace themselves for long and heavy traffic jams, as the ADAC and other mobility organizations have issued a warning for the upcoming holiday season.
Key affected routes include those leading through Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, and France. The main bottlenecks in Germany are on highways leading toward Italy and southeastern Europe, with the Brenner Pass, a crucial alpine crossing between Austria and Italy, experiencing significant slowdowns due to roadworks and holiday traffic.
In Austria, the Brenner Pass and roads south toward Italy and Slovenia are heavily congested. Switzerland faces heavy traffic particularly near the Gotthard Tunnel en route to Italy. Border crossings into Croatia and Italy also see jams as families start their vacation travels. France experiences severe congestion on routes toward the Mediterranean but is more relevant north of Bavaria.
The weekend of Saturday, August 2, 2025, is expected to be the busiest traffic day in Europe, with red alerts for Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and neighboring countries.
To mitigate the impact of these traffic jams, travelers are advised to expect patience and delays on these routes. Departure times can influence congestion: late morning departures on Saturday may avoid the worst jams, while Friday sees a mix of commuter and holiday traffic, making it less ideal.
Holidaymakers heading south should plan more time and bring plenty of patience, as the ADAC expects a larger travel wave not only during the first two holiday weekends but also around the public holiday Maria Himmelfahrt on August 15. Baden-Württemberg will have its first regular holiday day on Thursday, and the Free State will be the last to join the summer holidays, with many families likely to start their holidays in Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, and Italy immediately after receiving their report cards on Thursday.
To ensure safety during these long journeys, the ADAC advises against leaving children or pets in the car during breaks, even in moderate heat, as there is a risk of death in the shortest possible time. Travelers are also encouraged to avoid peak times when traveling and to be prepared with sufficient supplies and ways to entertain the restless youngsters in the back seat.
In Salzburg and Tyrol, there are driving bans on weekends and public holidays during the day, so you have to stay on the highway even if there's a traffic jam. Drivers are reminded to follow all traffic regulations and to be mindful of their fellow travelers during this busy period.
Vocational training opportunities within the community could provide alternatives to travel during the summer vacation period, alleviating some of the traffic congestion warned by ADAC. However, one must consider that vocational training programs may not align with one's preferred lifestyle, which often seeks adventure and exploration, a common motivator for travel.
