Hamburg: 55-hour closure of the A7 and the Elbtunnel

Hamburg is preparing for major traffic disruptions. On the first weekend of December 2025, the A7 motorway, together with the key Elbtunnel, will be completely closed for 55 hours.

The full closure will apply in both directions on the section between Hamburg-Heimfeld and Hamburg-Stellingen – from Friday, 5 December at 22:00 until Monday, 8 December at 05:00. Detours have been prepared for the duration of the closure, but authorities warn of significant disruptions and extended travel times.

Recommended detours for transit (freight) traffic:
➡️ Northbound (A7 → Flensburg):
Exit onto the A1 (Horster Dreieck) towards Lübeck
At the Bargteheide junction, switch to the A21 towards Kiel
Continue via the B205 to the Neumünster-Süd junction
Rejoin the A7

➡️ Southbound (A7 → Hanover):
Mirror route:
Neumünster-Süd exit → B205 → Wahlstedt → A21 → Bargteheide → A1 → Horster Dreieck → A7

Detour Map

Delays should also be expected on the detour routes. The tunnel closure is necessary due to the installation of new overhead traffic signs and the implementation of traffic control software. These works are part of a large-scale A7 modernisation project, which includes expanding the motorway to eight lanes and connecting it with the A26.
The A7 is Germany’s most important north–south corridor and one of the busiest motorway sections in the country – in some places carrying more than 130,000 vehicles per day.