Hamburg is bracing for a weekend of significant traffic disruptions as the city hosts multiple events, including the Haspa Marathon, children’s races, and various demonstrations. With an expected influx of participants and spectators, officials are urging residents to utilize public transportation to navigate the anticipated chaos.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, around 12,000 young athletes will take part in the children’s run known as "Das Zehntel," which will commence in the vicinity of the Messehallen. This event will lead to extensive road closures in the areas around Karolinenstraße, St. Petersburger Straße, and Holstenglacis from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The police have strongly recommended that drivers avoid the area altogether and use buses and trains instead.
Following this, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, the Haspa Marathon will draw approximately 25,000 participants. The marathon route stretches 42.195 kilometers through various neighborhoods, including St. Pauli, Altona, Eppendorf, Winterhude, and Hafencity, before concluding in Rothenburgsort. Due to the marathon, many roads will be closed throughout the day, with restrictions beginning as early as 7:55 AM and extending into the afternoon.
In addition to the marathon, the A1 highway will face significant restrictions. From Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:00 PM until Monday, April 28, 2025, at 5:00 AM, the Norderelbbrücke will be completely closed in the direction of the north for renovation work. This closure will also affect the exit from the A255 towards Lübeck. The police anticipate traffic jams despite the posted detours.
Adding to the weekend’s disruptions, Saturday will see protests in the city center. Approximately 1,000 individuals are expected to march under the banner "Gemeinsam für Deutschland!" from the main train station to the Binnenalster. Concurrently, the "Hamburger Bündnis gegen Rechts" will hold two counter-demonstrations, also with around 1,000 participants. These events will cause temporary road closures in the downtown area, further complicating traffic conditions.
To assist residents and visitors in navigating the weekend’s challenges, the Hamburg police have activated a traffic information hotline, available on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM at 040/4286-56565. Furthermore, the Haspa Marathon’s website features an interactive map detailing the marathon route and the respective closure times, which can be a helpful resource for those planning to travel through the city.
As the weekend approaches, authorities are advising motorists to plan ahead and consider alternative routes. The police have recommended using Ring 3 or the highways to bypass the city center. With the expected influx of participants and spectators for the marathon and demonstrations, the traffic situation in Hamburg is likely to be particularly congested.
The A1 highway's closure is part of a broader renovation effort, which has become necessary due to the aging infrastructure of the Norderelbbrücke, originally constructed in the 1960s. In light of increased traffic volume and weight, authorities are closely monitoring the bridge's condition, limiting speeds to 60 kilometers per hour and requiring trucks to maintain a distance of 50 meters from one another.
Additionally, the Hamburg Sports Club (HSV) will be playing a home game on Sunday at 1:30 PM, which could contribute to further traffic disruptions. Fans attending the match are also advised to use public transport to avoid delays.
As the city gears up for this bustling weekend, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the traffic situation and make use of public transport options whenever possible. The combination of the Haspa Marathon, children's races, and various demonstrations is set to create a uniquely challenging environment for anyone attempting to navigate Hamburg's streets.
In summary, Hamburg is poised for a weekend of significant events that will heavily impact traffic. With the Haspa Marathon, children’s races, and protests all occurring simultaneously, residents and visitors alike should prepare for road closures and delays. Utilizing public transportation is highly recommended to alleviate congestion and ensure a smoother travel experience.
