Anticipated traffic congestions in Hamburg during the commencement of vacation in the north
North Germany is bracing for heavy traffic on the A1 and A7 highways during the upcoming summer vacation period, with the start of holidays in nine German states set to increase travel demand on these major north-south routes.
According to Autobahn GmbH and ADAC, the A1 Bremen-Lübeck and A7 Hannover-Flensburg highways will be particularly congested, especially on weekends like Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons, which are peak congestion times.
The traffic congestion is due to the start of summer vacation in Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin and Brandenburg. Approximately 1,200 construction sites across the German autobahn network, including major routes such as the A1 and A7, will cause bottlenecks and slow traffic.
In addition, a truck driving ban on all Saturdays from July 1 to August 31, between 7 AM and 8 PM, for trucks over 7.5 tons on congested routes, is intended to ease traffic but may also affect freight schedules.
To manage this, drivers are advised to use the German government’s interactive online map (baustellen-check.de), which shows ongoing roadworks nationwide, helping with route planning to avoid construction zones and reduce delays. Traveling on weekdays rather than weekends is also recommended to avoid peak holiday traffic.
Other key factors contributing to the traffic include the holiday travel demand on these major north-south routes and the regulation for trucks over 3.5 tons to drive on the right side of the Norderelbe bridge, which has been extended. Heavy trucks are no longer allowed to drive directly towards Berlin/Lübeck from the Norderelbe interchange; they must take a detour via the Harburg interchange.
Torben Wiencke, spokesman for Autobahn GmbH Nord, predicts a very high volume of traffic in both directions on Saturday. Other potential delays include a bridge renovation on the A1 near Bargteheide in Schleswig-Holstein, as well as long delays at ongoing construction sites on the A7 north and south of the Elbtunnel, and at the A1's Norderelbe interchange in Hamburg.
The A261, connecting the A1 in southwestern Hamburg to the A7, allows traffic to pass in both directions only on one lane due to road renewal between Tötensen interchange and Buchholzer Dreieck. Elbtunnel and Norderelbebridge are particularly prone to congestion.
Drivers are encouraged to regularly check for updates on traffic conditions and border crossings, especially if traveling further to Poland, France, or Denmark, as these areas may have additional delays. In summary, the combination of holiday traffic and extensive construction on A1 and A7 highways near Hamburg will create heavy congestion in summer 2025, but tools like the interactive construction map and staggered travel times can help mitigate delays.
The traffic congestion affecting the A1 and A7 highways during the summer vacation is not only due to the increased travel demand but also because of the holiday travel lifestyle, especially among residents of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Berlin and Brandenburg. Those planning to travel within these states might want to consider altering their travel schedule to weekdays to avoid the peak congestion times and heavy traffic associated with holidays, which often include weekend travel.
