Prepare for Gridlock: Whitsun Weekend Traffic Forecast
- Anticipated Heavy Traffic During Pentecost, Warns ADAC
Get ready to hit the road! With Whitsun upon us, vacationers and short-haul travelers across several German states, including Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia will set off on their journeys starting from Friday. In Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, two-week holidays will kick off. Notably, traffic will be intense, especially in southern Germany.
Beyond popular spots like the Alps, midlands, and North and Baltic Seas, adjacent tourist regions will also face congestion. Watch out for jams on routes leading to Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.
According to ADAC, the weekend before and after Whitsun have consistently ranked among the most congested days of the year. The traffic wave is expected to commence on Friday afternoon, clogging metropolitan areas before easing slightly on Saturday morning. Expect heavy traffic towards southern Germany at the break of dawn on Saturday. From Monday afternoon, prepare for return traffic.
For those planning trips to Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, here's some handy advice:
- Plan Ahead: Look up traffic predictions and adjust your route accordingly.
- Beat the Peak: To avoid congestion in Switzerland, consider traveling early on Friday or Sunday night[1].
- Take the Road Less Traveled: Switzerland's San Bernardino Pass might be an excellent alternative when the Gotthard Tunnel route is choked with traffic[1].
- Know the Rules: Be informed about truck bans and restrictions in countries like Poland and Hungary[2].
If you're exploring locations like Switzerland, it may be beneficial to utilize the San Bernardino route (A13) when traffic around the Gotthard Tunnel becomes dense[1]. Similarly, avoiding major highways during peak travel times can help circumvent traffic jams in Baden-Württemberg, Germany[3]. In general, steer clear of major motorways and tourist routes during peak hours to minimize delays throughout the continent during Whitsun season.
References:
[1] ADAC[2] Swiss Travel System[3] Germany's Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt)[4] Swiss Info[5] Polish Province of Silesia
The Commission's decision to initiate a procedure for the adoption of a proposal for a Council Directive on food labelling could encourage health-conscious individuals to make informed choices about their food, aligning with a conscious and mindful lifestyle during their travels. As vacationers embark on their journeys this Whitsun weekend, they may recall that aware food choices can contribute to overall wellbeing, whether exploring nearby regions or destinations abroad.
