Return journey chaos in the north: Danger of traffic jams on all main roads today!
On October 5th, 2025, heavy traffic and traffic jams are expected in northern Germany due to the wave of return trips.

Return journey chaos in the north: Danger of traffic jams on all main roads today!
The return from a long weekend creates a lot of traffic on the roads, as ndr.de reports. The ADAC is also expecting high traffic volumes and possible traffic jams today, especially on the motorways in northern Germany. Saturday was relatively relaxed after Thursday and Friday were considered particularly congested. But now, on Sunday, it could get really crowded again in the afternoon when many travelers start their journey home.
The A1 towards Fehmarn and the A7 in the north have been struggling with slow traffic and traffic jams since Thursday. Construction sites, such as those on the A1 between Osnabrück and Bremen, contribute to traffic congestion, while several kilometers of traffic jams await the Elbe tunnel. The greatest risk of traffic jams was already forecast for Thursday, which is one of the five busiest days of the year. The A27 also caused delays after a serious accident between Verden-Ost and Walsrode-West ndr.de.
Traffic forecasts and construction sites
Over 1,300 construction sites nationwide are making life difficult for drivers, so further bottlenecks cannot be ruled out. In the Hamburg area, traffic is particularly dense on the following routes:
- A1 Lübeck – Hamburg – Bremen – Dortmund
- A2 Hannover – Braunschweig – Magdeburg
- A7 Hamburg – Flensburg / Würzburg – Ulm – Füssen/Reutte
- A24 Hamburg – Schwerin und Pritzwalk – Berlin
Driving bans for trucks over 7.5 tons on October 3rd were intended to provide relief, but these only have an effect on some traffic. Trips to neighboring countries will also be characterized by busy travel, especially on popular routes such as the Tauern, Inntal and Brenner routes. In addition, there are high water levels on the Elbe, Weser and Ems, which results in restrictions on ferry operations to the North and Baltic Sea islands.
Consideration on the roads
In hectic traffic conditions, it is particularly important to create a clear emergency lane for emergency services in the event of an accident. Adequate preparation for such situations could be crucial. It is all the more important to remain calm during the stressful return journey and to react in good time to possible diversions or traffic information.
In addition, drivers who need a rental car at short notice can find out more about the payment methods. At adac.de you have the option of paying via PayPal up to 24 hours before the rental. For on-site bookings, a credit card in the driver's name is required as deposits cannot be paid in cash. If you choose a larger vehicle, additional credit cards may be necessary.
And in the event that problems arise with the key, the ADAC offers a reliable emergency locksmith service adac.de. Whether you are locked out or have lost your keys, the service is available to members and helps quickly and easily. Prices start at 95 euros on weekdays and can be higher on weekends in emergencies. It is advisable to always have identification documents ready and to describe your situation clearly so that help can be provided quickly and accurately.
Overall, it is important to prepare well and be careful when traveling in order to reach your destination safely. So there are plenty of surprises ahead on the journey back north from the long weekend and a bit of patience is much appreciated on the roads!