Southern Germany braces for weekend traffic chaos amid winter and Carnival

A perfect storm of winter travel, festivals, and high-profile events threatens gridlock. Drivers warned to expect hours of delays on roads and borders.

, and Administrator

2026 May 11 . 8:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a long line of taxis parked on the side of a street in Berlin, Germany. There are... — The image shows a long line of taxis parked on the side of a street in Berlin, Germany. There are many vehicles on the road, with people riding bicycles and walking on the sidewalk. On both sides of the street there are light poles and trees, and in the background there are buildings, an arch, and a tower. The sky is filled with clouds.

Carnival Holidays: ADAC Expects Heavy Traffic and Congestion on Weekend - Southern Germany braces for weekend traffic chaos amid winter and Carnival

The second weekend of February is set to bring major traffic disruptions across southern Germany. Heavy congestion, winter weather, and large-scale events will combine to slow travel on roads and at borders. The ADAC has issued warnings about severe delays, particularly on Friday afternoon. Carnival holidays and winter vacations will send large numbers of drivers onto the roads. Ski resorts in the Alps and mid-range mountain areas are likely to see the worst of the congestion.

Wintry conditions may add to the problems. Icy patches and poor visibility could make driving hazardous in some regions. Road closures for Carnival parades in many cities will further complicate travel. In Munich, the Security Conference will bring extra restrictions. Police escorts and demonstrations may cause sudden delays within the security zone. Border checks could also slow travellers entering Germany from neighbouring countries. Key transit routes in Austria, Switzerland, and France are expected to face similar congestion.

Drivers are advised to plan extra time for journeys this weekend. The combination of holiday traffic, winter weather, and high-profile events will create difficult conditions. Delays are likely on major roads, at borders, and near event locations.