Brenner Alpine Route to Close for Eight Hours on May 30, Travel Chaos Expected

On 30 May 2026 the Brenner Autobahn (A13) linking Austria and Italy will be completely shut for eight hours – from 11:00 to 19:00 in both directions – with trucks barred from 09:00. The shutdown is part of a protest by residents of the Wipptal valley, who cite the heavy transit traffic of roughly 14 million vehicles per year.

Germany’s Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, warning that “Es gibt keine Ausweichmöglichkeiten” (there are no alternatives) and urging motorists to avoid non‑essential trips and use public transport. The shutdown also covers the parallel B‑182 and L‑38 routes.

Authorities expect severe congestion on alternative Alpine passes such as the Gotthard, San Bernardino and Reschen, as well as on nearby Austrian routes. The Tauern Autobahn (A10) will also see exit bans around the same dates and ongoing construction‑related closures. The early opening of the Timmelsjoch toll road offers a limited alternative.

Travelers heading to Italy’s lakes or Adriatic coast are advised to plan detours well in advance and be prepared for long delays before and after the closure.