Anticipated Increase in Vehicular Traffic for Ascension Day Celebrations

Increased Traffic Forecasted for Ascension Day Weekend in Germany

As the Ascension Day holiday approaches on May 29th, ADAC Hessen-Thuringia anticipates increased traffic in Thuringia and several other federal states. The long weekend, which offers perfect weather for excursions, is expected to be one of the most congested weekends of the year.

"The appealing weather and the bridge day will prompt many short-term vacationers to use the opportunity for day trips, regional getaways, or visiting relatives," says Wolfgang Herda, traffic expert at ADAC Hessen-Thuringia. With seven other states declaring Friday, May 30th, a public holiday following Ascension Day, an extended weekend escape is ideal.

The impending heavy traffic, particularly around Erfurt and along major routes A4, A9, and A71, raises concerns about notable congestion hotspots, especially near construction sites on highways. With around 1,300 construction projects on German highways potentially causing delays, the first traffic peak is expected on Wednesday between 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as both holidaymakers and commuters are expected to be on the roads simultaneously.

To navigate the holidays smoothly, drivers are advised to travel counter-cyclically by planning longer car journeys for the early morning or late afternoon hours, avoiding the regular rush-hour traffic and preparing alternative routes in advance. Wolfgang Herda encourages drivers embarking on a long journey over the weekend to prepare provisions and drinks for the trip and engage children with entertainment to ensure everyone enjoys the journey.

Given the construction situation on the A4, there are likely to be increased disruptions on this route over the long weekend, particularly near Hermsdorf-Ost and Schmölln. In case of heavy traffic, remember that the emergency lane should be utilized when necessary. All vehicles should move to the left lane if stuck on the left side, while all other vehicles should move to the right.

Maike Höpp, press contact at ADAC Hessen-Thuringia, can be reached for further information at T +49 69 66 07 85 05 or [email protected].

While the search results do not include details of specific traffic hotspots for the Ascension Day weekend in 2025, some general strategies and hotspot areas are consistently relevant for holiday travel in Germany:

Major highways (Autobahns) leading out of large cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, as well as routes to scenic and recreational areas like the Bavarian Alps, the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, and popular lakes (e.g., Lake Constance), are often congested during holiday weekends.
Border crossings towards neighboring countries like Austria, Switzerland, and Italy may see increased traffic due to the long weekend for international trips.
Commonly used routes such as the A3, A7, A9, and A8 Autobahns are known bottlenecks during holiday weekends.

To make the most of your Ascension Day weekend travel, consider beginning your journey early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak traffic hours on departure and return days. Real-time navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you monitor traffic conditions and suggest alternative routes. Plan rest stops, stay informed about roadworks or special events that might affect traffic on your planned route, and fuel up beforehand to avoid crowded gas stations near highway exits.

The long weekend due to Ascension Day and the following bridge day will likely see an increase in travel, particularly in the transportation industry, as many individuals opt for day trips, regional getaways, or visits to relatives, thus influencing the lifestyle and finance sectors.
With the perfect weather for travel and an extended weekend, the Ascension Day weekend is expected to be one of the most congested weekends of the year on major highways, such as A4, A9, and A71, which may impact the finance sector due to potential delays and increased fuel consumption.
To avoid heavy traffic and congestion during the Ascension Day weekend, drivers are advised to consider travel alternatives, including counter-cyclical travel timings, for a smoother journey. This may also pertain to the lifestyle sector, as careful planning can enable drivers to enjoy the travel experience more fully, while minimizing delays and stress associated with long journeys.