Christmas traffic in the Netherlands expected to peak this weekend
Traffic in the Netherlands is expected to increase on Friday, December 20, as the Christmas vacation begins. ANWB Verkeersinformatie anticipates early evening rush hour delays, particularly in Noord-Brabant, Gelderland, and border areas near Germany.
The evening commute on Friday will start earlier than usual due to holiday travel. Significant delays are expected on major routes such as the A1 between Hengelo and the German border and the A12 between Arnhem and Germany. ANWB also warns of congestion near popular tourist destinations like Maastricht and Valkenburg, where Christmas markets are expected to draw large crowds.
The Winter Efteling theme park and outlet shopping centers are additional hotspots likely to see increased traffic during the holiday period. While regular morning and evening rush hours will ease during the school vacation, localized congestion may occur around these attractions.
For those traveling across the border into Germany, delays are possible on December 20 and 21. German highways near the border are expected to be busy, particularly around Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, and Munich. Border controls may further exacerbate delays for travelers returning from Austria to Germany, with potential bottlenecks at Suben (A3), Walserberg (A8), and Kiefersfelden (A93).
To avoid delays, ANWB advises Dutch motorists to plan their journeys carefully and consider using the ANWB Onderweg app. The app offers real-time updates on navigation, fuel prices, charging stations, and road conditions to ensure a smoother travel experience.
