The Christmas holiday season has brought significant travel congestion across Germany, with airports and highways bracing for an onslaught of travelers. Millions are expected to take to the skies or hit the roads, marking one of the busiest times of the year.
At Munich Airport, officials are preparing for approximately 1.7 million passengers, with December 20 and 21 identified as the busiest days, when about 116,000 passengers are anticipated daily. This peak period showcases the high demand among travelers heading to popular destinations such as Spain, Italy, and the UK, as well as notable interest in Asian connections. Over 2,000 airport staff will be on duty to manage the influx of passengers.
On the highway front, the ADAC (German Automobile Club) has issued warnings for severe traffic jams beginning this weekend as schools close. Claudia Löffler, the ADAC press spokesperson, indicates December 20 is forecasted to be the "staureichste Tag" or the most traffic congested day of the holiday, urging drivers to adjust their plans accordingly. "The big jams typically associated with the summer vacation traffic won't be the case, but there will still be significant delays," Löffler noted.
The forecast also highlights Friday as the last school day for students across Germany, prompting many families to commence their Christmas travels early. For those who can, the ADAC recommends waiting until Sunday to start traveling as conditions will likely be calmer.
Meanwhile, smaller airports are also experiencing record numbers. Memmingen Airport, labeled as Allgäu Airport, is expecting over three million passengers this year, which is its first-time surpassing such numbers. Similar trends are seen at Nuremberg Airport, where roughly 140,000 passengers are predicted during this holiday season—a 14% increase from the previous year. Domestic traffic is flourishing as families head abroad for holiday visits.
Travel experts recommend several tips to mitigate stress during peak travel times. Early parking reservations, and sufficient time allocated for check-ins and security checks have been emphasized as key to smoother travel experiences.
The state of Schleswig-Holstein is also preparing for last-minute travelers heading to popular beach locations. The agency responsible for tourism has reported high booking levels at resorts along the Lübeck Bay, expecting significant traffic influx starting December 26. Travemünde, for example, is nearly fully booked for New Year's Eve, showcasing the demand for holiday getaways.
Many areas still preserve some availability for last-minute travelers thanks to mixed trends; reservation predictability has shifted, with some opting for early booking and others waiting for clearer forecasts. This peculiarity is confirmed by local tourism agents who assert calls for 2025 have already been received.
With these extraordinary travel patterns, it's clear the dual pressure of festive spirit and heightened travel activity is shaping the holiday season across Germany. Whether by plane or car, millions are bound to set out and reunite with loved ones during this celebratory time.
For travelers embarking on their journeys, strategic planning and timing can help navigate the expected congestion, and with the right preparations, this Christmas can still be enjoyed to the fullest, unmarred by travel woes.
