Long Weekend of God's Body 2025 began with dramatic difficulties on the main way to the Tatras. On June 19, 2025, Thursday at the Celebration of the Blessed Body and the Blood of the Lord, thousands of drivers were stuck in hours' traffic jams in Zakopane, creating 1 of the longest road congestions this tourist season.
Problem scale on the main way to the Tatras
Zakopane, officially national road 7 and S7, she again showed her weaknesses at the minute of increased tourist traffic. According to the spokesperson for the Kraków branch of GDDKiA Kacpra Michny, the traffic jams moved further on the route, especially after the exit from the two-lane at the tallness of the Szaflar.
Road traffic analysis indicates that the problem affected not only the main way of the S7 but besides alternate roads. Drivers driving towards Białka Tatrzanska choose local roads, causing additional difficulties throughout the Podtatrzan region.
Road situation it is peculiarly complicated during long weekends erstwhile tourist traffic increases by up to 300% compared to working days. God's Body in 2025 falls on Thursday 19 June, which, combined with Friday 20 June – a state holiday, creates an attractive long weekend.
Causes of Giant Traffic
Main problem there is inactive insufficient capacity for road infrastructure in relation to the increasing tourist traffic. Zakopane's two-lane has not solved the problem of traffic that moved closer to the Tatras, as confirmed by the latest observations from June 2025.
Especially problematic There are episodes between Chabówka and fresh Fair, where road infrastructure is not keeping up with the increasing traffic. At highest moments of long weekends there are traffic jams that scope up to a twelve kilometers long.
Additional factor the worsening problem is the concentration of traffic during certain hours. Most tourists travel on Friday evening or Saturday morning, leading to a local overload of the full road network leading to the Tatras.
Road vehicleImpact on tourism and the local economy
Tourist sector in the region of the Tatras the direct effects of communication problems. On 14-15 June 2025 the Tatra Fest was held in Zakopane – an event combining planet rivalry with household atmosphere, which further increased traffic in Zakopane.
Owners of hotels and guesthouses in the sub-Tatra region, they inform that traffic jams on the main transport way negatively affect the guests' satisfaction. Tourists frequently quit or shorten their stays due to concerns about communication difficulties.
Local entrepreneurs They estimation that all hr of traffic in Zakopane represents losses in the local economy reaching respective tens of 1000 zlotys. This applies not only to the tourism industry, but besides to the transport of goods and access to work of the inhabitants of the region.
Planned infrastructure solutions
General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways prepares a comprehensive solution to the traffic problem in Zakopane. A way to solve problems is to be the confederate bypass of Nowy Targ, whose construction is planned for the years 2029-2031.
The bypass project assumes that the centre of Nowy Targ will be relieved from transit traffic and that an alternate way will be created for drivers travelling to Tatra resorts. The investment is expected to cost about PLN 800 million and includes the construction of a 15-kilometre long of expressway.
Local authorities However, they object to the options proposed by the GDDKiA for the construction of the bypass. They call for modification of the route, which would better take into account the needs of tourism improvement in the region and environmental protection.
Alternative routes and their limitations
Drivers trying avoid traffic jams on the main way increasingly choose alternate roads, nevertheless leading to problems in smaller towns. The routes through Myślenice, Rabka-Zdrój or Jordan are not adapted for specified intense traffic.
Local roads in the sub-Tatra region, they do not have adequate infrastructure to handle increased tourist traffic. There are no parking spaces, travel points and appropriate markings for drivers who do not know the area.
Problem besides concerns public transport, which is not a viable alternate to individual travel. Bus and railway connections to Zakopane are insufficient during periods of increased tourist traffic.
Recommendations for travellers
Road traffic experts urge those travelling to the Tatras on long weekends peculiar care erstwhile planning a trip. The optimal hours of departure are early morning hours before 6:00 or late evening hours after 10:00.
Road traffic monitoring available through mobile applications and navigation systems allows you to keep track of the situation on Zakopane and choose the optimal route. Especially useful are applications to check current journey times on different sections of the route.
Vehicle preparation for a long journey in traffic includes checking the level of fuel, in-service fluids and taking out adequate water and food supplies. It is besides crucial to supply amusement for children during a possibly long journey.
Station planning on the way should take into account places with the availability of toilets, catering facilities and remainder facilities. During periods of peculiarly intense traffic, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.
Continued here:
Buried on God's Body: Drivers in Traffic
