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Border controls lead to mega traffic jams: vacationers are stuck!
Increased border controls lead to massive traffic jams at the Scharnitzer Tunnel for returnees, mayors express concern.
Border controls lead to mega traffic jams: vacationers are stuck!
On Saturday, June 29, 2025, the traffic light at the south portal of the Scharnitzer Tunnel was turned red, causing significant traffic problems at the Austrian-German border. This decision was a consequence of increased entry controls by the German Federal Police, which were carried out on the instructions of Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). Mayor Christian Ihrberger from Scharnitz described the situation as a “catastrophe” as the traffic jams extended as far as Zirl.
The traffic problems result from the required speed reduction to ten km/h at the checkpoints. This led to the Scharnitzer bypass tunnel being temporarily closed in order to regulate the traffic situation, which is often also known as block clearance. Dr. Rainer Scharf, spokesman for the federal police in Rosenheim, emphasized that the goal of the controls was not to create traffic jams, but rather to curb smuggling crime.
Traffic flows and alternative routes
To escape the traffic jams, more and more holidaymakers are choosing alternative routes, especially via the Leutasch Valley. Mayor Georgios Chrysochoidis of Leutasch reported that the situation for his community was noticeable, but not dramatic. Despite the diversion through alternative routes, the traffic situation remains a challenge.
Mayor Ihrberger expressed concerns about how emergency services can respond quickly enough in Scharnitz during times of high traffic. He sees the traffic situation not just as a current problem, but as a long-term challenge for the area and calls for decisions to be made at a higher level. He considered his own scope for action to be limited.