Why does Germany have the Autobahn?

Within six years after the completion of the first Cologne-Bonn autobahn in 1932, Germany added 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) of super highway to its road network. Hitler saw the construction of autobahns primarily as a military advantage; its benefit as a job-creation program in the 1930s was an added plus.

What’s so special about the Autobahn?

Today, the Autobahn symbolizes freedom for many, even far away from Germany. There’s now a whopping 8,080 miles (13,000 kilometers) of Autobahn, ranking it among the longest and most dense road systems in the world. Most sections have two, three or even four lanes in each direction, plus a permanent emergency lane.

Does Germany have a lot of roads?

Not only does Europe get a bunch of insanely cool cars that America doesn’t, it also has some of the best roads in the world. For travel by car, Germany’s Autobahn system is one of the best highway systems in the world. These are eight reasons why Germany’s Autobahn highway system is so amazing.

Can you really go as fast as you want on the autobahn?

In reality today pretty much fifty percent of the autobahn network is subject to a speed limit. Mostly around towns, narrow sections and otherwise dangerous areas speed limits are guaranteed. However till this day, Germany is the only country in the world where no general speed limit apply on motorways.

Is there really no speed limit on the Autobahn?

More than half of the total length of the German autobahn network has no speed limit, about one third has a permanent limit, and the remaining parts have a temporary or conditional limit. Some cars with very powerful engines can reach speeds of well over 300 km/h (190 mph).

Why are roads better in Europe?

European highways actually carry more traffic and considerably heavier truck weights than U.S. roads, yet they are smoother and far sturdier. European highways are designed by their builders to last 40 years; the projected life of American roads is half as long.

Are there speed limits in Germany?

Speed limits in Germany are set by the federal government. All limits are multiples of 10 km/h. There are two default speed limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) inside built-up areas and 100 km/h (62 mph) outside built-up areas. The speeding fines are set by federal law (Bußgeldkatalog, schedule of fines).