Commencement of Easter: Danger of Gridlock at the Brenner Pass
Easter Holidays in Bavaria: Preparing for Road Congestion and Airport Crowds
As the Easter holidays approach in Bavaria, roads and airports are gearing up for increased passenger traffic. with millions choosing to take a break during the same period.
Anticipated Traffic Snarls and Airport Congestion
The period between Good Friday (April 18, 2025) and Easter Monday (April 21, 2025) will see extensive travel, particularly focused on Fridays and Easter weekend. Apart from Bavaria, seven other German states, Austria, Switzerland, and Belgium are also observing holidays during this period. This collective holiday movement leads to high traffic volumes on popular routes such as the A8, A9, the Fernpass, and areas around Munich.
The Automobile Club of Germany (ADAC) anticipates heavy congestion, especially on Good Friday and Maundy Thursday. It is strongly recommended that travelers avoid weekend departures and delay their journeys for a few days, as traffic is expected to ease up significantly from Monday onward.
Brenner Motorway Construction Site
Individuals intending to travel towards Italy via the Brenner Pass should be aware of anticipated delays. Construction work at the Lueg bridge on the Austrian Brenner motorway has already caused significant traffic bottlenecks since the start of the year. While a temporary two-lane road will be installed for the holiday season, it is challenging to completely avoid traffic jams in this area. ADAC has designated the Brenner Pass as a "traffic hotspot."
Construction on the Brenner Pass is scheduled to last until 2030, so early departure, regular traffic updates, and consideration of alternative routes such as the Reschen pass are advisable.
Airport Congestion Forecast
Passenger traffic at Nuremberg Airport is projected to exceed 215,000 individuals — a 25% increase compared to last year's Easter holiday period. Munich Airport is also expected to experience high crowd levels. The good news is that the newly installed CT scanners at Terminal 2's security checks are operational and will expedite the screening process during peak season.
Travel Tips and Airport Advisories
For those traveling by car:
- Depart early, especially on Fridays
- Check alternative routes and traffic conditions regularly
- Allow enough travel time to accommodate potential delays
For air travelers:
- Arrive at least two hours before your flight
- Opt for digital check-in, and pack hand luggage effectively to expedite the security and check-in process
Following these tips will ensure a more relaxed and hassle-free holiday start. Monitor traffic conditions, turn on the radio, pack snacks, and double-check your route for a smooth departure. Stay tuned for further updates.
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During the Easter holidays in Bavaria and neighboring regions, a significant number of people are expected to embark on travel, leading to extensive road congestion and airport crowding (lifestyle, travel).
Individuals planning trips to Italy via Brenner Pass must be aware of potential delays due to construction work and consider alternative routes or early departures (travel).
