Summer vacations in South Tyrol: traffic jams on the Brenner Pass? Just a media ghost!
While the German media repeatedly report on chaotic conditions on the Brenner freeway, the reality for many travelers is much more relaxed. Numerous hosts in South Tyrol are surprised at the discrepancy between public perception and the actual situation on the route. They make it clear: if you avoid the peak traffic times or opt for alternatives, you will get to your vacation destination easily.
Marion Burgmann from Naturhotel Leitlhof in Val Pusteria, for example, reports: "Our guests, around 80 percent of whom come from Germany, have had no problems at all." Christoph Kofler, owner of the Maria Adventure Family Hotel & Lodge in Obereggen, also contradicts the scaremongering: "Even at peak times such as Carnival or Easter, there were no significant delays." Nevertheless, many bookings were not made - for fear of traffic jams, especially among families with children.
Claudia Pfeifer from Hotel Campingpark Steiner in Laives describes the reporting as exaggerated. Waiting times are currently even shorter than in 2024: "The problem is not the road, but the distorted portrayal in the media." There are now empty rooms across all hotel categories, although the travel situation is stable.
Instead of standstill: optimized planning and alternative routes
Stefan Kaserbacher, tourism director of Schenna, sees the main problem not on the road, but in the minds of holidaymakers. The Lügbrücke bridge had two lanes of traffic throughout and there were no closures on the Reschenpass either, only detours. According to Kaserbacher, these even turned out to be advantageous, as HGVs are not permitted there and traffic flowed more smoothly as a result.
Many hotels are adapting and responding flexibly. For example, some accommodations offer guests free access to the wellness areas for early arrivals or late departures in order to make the waiting times around check-in or check-out stress-free. There is also an increasing focus on environmentally friendly travel options such as the Meraner Land Express from Munich.
Mara Theiner from the Hotel Weisses Kreuz in Vinschgau has been recommending the route over the Reschen Pass to her guests for years. Despite the roadworks, the route is scenic, less frequented and, with a bit of clever timing, easily passable. "If you set off at lunchtime, your journey is more relaxed - and we make sure that you can relax by the pool until then," says Theiner.
Politics and tourism associations in dialog
Eva Illmer, owner of the Four-star Hotel Laurin in Dorf Tirolsees no cause for concern. Her guests have hardly experienced any traffic problems so far. Hoteliers are increasingly relying on transparent communication to inform and reassure travelers. At the same time, the South Tyrolean Hotel and Restaurant Association is in regular contact with political decision-makers in Austria in order to further improve the flow of traffic.
The situation on the Brenner Pass is much better than its reputation. South Tyrol's hosts are calling on holidaymakers not to be put off by exaggerated headlines. With good planning, alternative routes and flexible local services, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing summer vacation.
