German and Swiss highways brace for holiday traffic jams

The ADAC warns that the start of summer holidays will bring heavy traffic on Germany’s Autobahnen, especially on routes toward the mountains and coasts. Large construction sites and expected travel from other European countries are likely to cause long queues, with the club advising drivers to travel on less busy days, such as Monday or Tuesday, and to avoid peak times.

In Switzerland, the Viasuisse traffic service predicts severe congestion at the Gotthard north portal throughout July, with potential jams up to 10 km long. Travelers are urged to use the tunnel on weekdays (Monday‑Thursday) and at early‑morning or late‑evening hours. Alternative routes such as the San Bernardino pass (A13) or the St. Bernard tunnel are suggested, though they can also become busy on peak days. A return‑travel rush is expected from early August, with similar advice for the Gotthard south portal.

Both countries recommend flexible planning and early departures to mitigate the holiday‑season traffic surge.