Hamburg faces gridlock as protests and college football clash this weekend

A perfect storm of political rallies and a sold-out game will paralyze Hamburg's streets. Police warn of hours-long delays—here's how to navigate the chaos.

, and ASMedia

2026 January 29 . 7:32 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people walking down a street, some of them holding placards and banners,... — The image shows a group of people walking down a street, some of them holding placards and banners, while others are riding bicycles. In the background, there is a building with windows, arches, pillars, and sculptures on the wall, as well as trees and a light pole. The people are participating in a protest against the anti-war movement in Berlin.

Protests and HSV Match - Traffic Congestion Expected in Hamburg - Hamburg faces gridlock as protests and college football clash this weekend

Hamburg is bracing for significant traffic disruptions this Saturday. Large protests and a high-profile college football match will cause delays across the city. Police have urged residents to plan ahead and avoid key areas where possible.

Three major demonstrations against Iran's government are set to take place in the afternoon. The first, organised by Amnesty International, expects over 1,000 participants. A second rally, calling for the end of Iran's Islamic system and a return to a constitutional monarchy, could draw more than 15,000 people.

A third protest will involve a car convoy with 150 to 200 vehicles. These demonstrations follow calls from Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's former Shah, who urged nationwide protests to overthrow the Islamic Republic. His appeal came amid ongoing unrest in Tehran, sparked by economic hardship in late December.

At the same time, Hamburger SV will host FC Bayern Munich at Volksparkstadion. The college football match, combined with the protests, will create heavy congestion around the stadium and the city centre. Authorities have advised drivers to avoid these areas entirely and to rely on public transport instead.

The combination of political rallies and a major college football fixture will put pressure on Hamburg's roads. Police have warned of extended delays, particularly near the stadium and central districts. Residents and visitors are being told to check travel updates and adjust their plans accordingly.