Germany's Summer Break System: An Explanation of its Rotating Mechanism and Why Not Every State Participates
In an effort to address holiday traffic congestion, a resolution was initiated in West Germany back in the 1970s. However, not all regions have adhered to this resolution, with Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg being notable absentees.
These two southern states, known for their tourist attractions and economic focus on tourism, have distinct transport challenges that may not align with the original resolution's scope or current strategies. Bavaria alone recorded nearly 39 million tourist arrivals in 2023, while Baden-Württemberg, with its Black Forest and other attractions, also ranks highly among tourist destinations.
German states enjoy significant autonomy over their transport policies, and may choose not to participate fully in certain federal or interregional agreements or resolutions if they perceive them as not addressing their specific needs or economic interests. Moreover, since the 1970s, transport infrastructure and traffic patterns have evolved considerably, making tailored solutions more appealing than adherence to older, broader resolutions.
Meanwhile, France experiences annual traffic jams on its national roads during early July, as tens of thousands of French people set off for their summer holidays. In contrast, Germany is striving to prevent such chaos during the same period. The traffic congestion in France results in hours-long motorway delays, clogged exit roads, and heated arguments on the roadside.
It is worth noting that Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg start their school holidays later than the rest of Germany, specifically at the end of July. This difference in holiday schedules may also contribute to the regional discrepancies in traffic management strategies.
[1] Tourism statistics for Germany: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1040502/tourist-arrivals-in-germany/ [2] Brenner route congestion: https://www.euractiv.com/section/transport-traffic/news/austria-italy-struggle-to-find-solution-to-brenner-pass-congestion/
- With Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg′s high number of tourist arrivals, it might be beneficial to apply tailored solutions to their transport challenges, rather than strictly following the 1970s resolution designed to tackle holiday traffic congestion.
- To address the unique transport issues in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, it could be advantageous for these German states to consider implementing lifestyle adjustments that promote travel during off-peak periods, such as the beginning of July, thereby helping to alleviate holiday traffic congestion.
