Anticipates gridlock on highways during the extended Pentecost holiday weekend, according to ADAC. - Heavy Traffic Congestion Predicted During Long Weekend, as per ADAC's Warning
During the Ascension weekend, travelers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland may encounter heavy traffic due to public holidays, cultural customs, and unique travel patterns in each country. Here's what you need to know.
Germany expects significant congestion on major highways and around metropolitan areas, particularly on routes to popular destinations such as the coast and Alpine regions. many people travel during this long weekend, with Ascension Day often coinciding with Father's Day, a tradition involving group outings. Note that truck driving bans on Sundays and public holidays are back in force in Germany, which could add to traffic congestion.
In Austria, Ascension Day is a public holiday, but it is not associated with Father's Day. Traffic congestion is typically less pronounced than in Germany, but border crossings and metropolitan areas like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck may experience higher volumes. No special truck driving bans are expected for Ascension Day.
Switzerland will see an increase in traffic as residents take advantage of the public holiday for travel. Highways leading to popular tourist areas like the Lake Geneva region, Lucerne, and Appenzell are likely to experience congestion. Traffic may also be affected by ongoing infrastructure works on certain routes. Switzerland already enforces strict truck driving bans on weekends and public holidays, so additional restrictions may not apply specifically for Ascension Day.
The ADAC expects the first traffic jams as early as Wednesday afternoon, with heavy traffic on Thursday. Expect additional congestion on Sunday afternoon and evening as the return wave begins. The automobile club expects a relatively quiet situation on Friday and Saturday.
Truck drivers should be particularly aware of traffic patterns during this weekend, given the increased volume and potential truck driving bans. Travelers planning to travel within these countries should allow extra time for their journeys and be prepared for delays, particularly on highways and during peak travel times.
(Enrichment Data)Ascension Day is a religious holiday commemorating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. In Germany, it is a public holiday and often coincides with Father’s Day, a tradition involving group outings, especially for men. Many people take advantage of the long weekend by traveling, which leads to increased traffic on major highways and around metropolitan areas. In Austria, Ascension Day is a public holiday and is observed as a religious holiday. Unlike in Germany, it is not associated with Father’s Day. In Switzerland, Ascension Day is a public holiday across the country, with local events and traditions in some regions.
The Commission, acknowledging the increased travel during the Ascension weekend due to the combination of the holiday with unique travel patterns and cultural customs in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, has decided to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 93 (2) of the Treaty, which may potentially impact lifestyle choices relating to travel and weather conditions over the long weekend.
Given the enforced truck driving bans on Sundays and public holidays in Germany, as well as the predicted heavy traffic and congestion during the Ascension weekend, it is essential for truck drivers to plan their routes carefully and allow extra time for their journeys to mitigate potential delays and ensure a safe travel experience.
