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Easter travel chaos looms as German school breaks trigger gridlock

Millions hit the road for Easter—will you be stuck in Germany's worst holiday traffic? Authorities warn of record delays on key routes like A5 and A7.

The image shows an open book with a map of Germany on it, set against a dark background. The map is...
The image shows an open book with a map of Germany on it, set against a dark background. The map is detailed and shows the various roads and highways of the country.

Easter travel chaos looms as German school breaks trigger gridlock

The Easter holidays start this weekend in Hesse, marking the beginning of a busy travel period. Nine other German states will also enter their first week of school break, leading to heavy traffic on major routes. Authorities are warning drivers to expect delays, especially on key highways.

The ADAC has forecast significant congestion from Thursday through Saturday morning. The worst delays are likely on Maundy Thursday, with return traffic peaking on Easter Monday afternoon. Highways near large cities and long-distance routes—particularly the A3, A5, and A7—will bear the brunt of the traffic.

In Hesse, the A7 between Hattenbach interchange and Würzburg, as well as the A45 from Gießen to Olpe, are expected to face severe bottlenecks. Around 785 active roadworks across Germany will add to the strain, slowing traffic near construction zones. The ADAC advises motorists to plan ahead, suggesting early departures or delaying trips until next week. While no specific alternative routes have been recommended for the A3, A5, or A7, drivers are urged to avoid relying solely on navigation systems and to prepare for potential detours.

Easter weekend 2025 is set to be one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With peak congestion expected in the afternoons and evenings, drivers are being encouraged to check routes in advance and adjust their schedules where possible. The ADAC's warnings highlight the need for careful planning to avoid lengthy delays.

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