Anticipated Time for Lifting Vehicle Restrictions on Swiss Alpine Routes This Spring
Revamped Travel Guide: Swiss Mountain Passes
Swiss mountain passes, nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, are set to reopen their gates after the winter hibernation. Here's a lowdown on the reopening dates and preparation.
First off, the iconic Oberalp, perched at an altitude of 2,044 metres, will welcome vehicles traveling between Graubünden and Uri from the end of April. The spring blossoms will also usher in the reopening of other high-altitude Alpine passes.
The Pass Parade:
- Gotthard Pass (2,106 metres), between Uri and Ticino, will reopen its arms in mid-May.
- The Klausen Pass, at 1,948 metres, located between Uri and Glaris, will also be available for travel from mid-May.
- The Furka Pass (2,429 metres), connecting Uri with Valais, will spring back to life by the end of May.
- The Susten Pass (2,260 metres), between Uri and Bern, will reopen its doors by the end of June.
As the spring breeze sweeps through, the crew is tirelessly working on clearing snow, installing guardrails and railings, and tidying up rocky terrains.
Winter's not a Barrier Everywhere:
Contrary to popular belief, not all mountain roads in Switzerland shut down for the winter. The ones that experience avalanche threats or tough snow and ice conditions are the ones that hibernate!
The ones that brave the chilly winter include:
- The Simplon Pass between Valais and Italy, Flüela in Graubünden, Julier also in Graubünden, and the Brünig, linking Bern with Obwalden, are among the hardy survivors accessible year-round.
When winter whips up its storms, snow tyres and chains become the essential accessories for all vehicles. In extreme winter conditions, even these resilient passes may experience temporary closures.
Get the Scoop:
Stay updated on weather and driving conditions for all Swiss mountain roads, including valuable info about these iconic passes, at this handy resource. Remember, local authorities' guidance is key, as winter's unpredictable twists and turns might change plans abruptly.
Bonus Insight:
Apart from the Swiss passes, there are a couple of routes worth noting:
- The Bregenz to Arlberg route (western Austria, near Swiss border), with year-round access, serves as a gateway to the Alpine regions.
- The Zermatt area slopes, open 365 days a year, invite skiing and hiking adventures, even when the snow is dancing with the winter wind.
Happy travels!
- The Oberalp, at an altitude of 2,044 metres, will reopen in late April, heralding the start of the mountain pass reopenings.
- The Gotthard Pass, standing tall at 2,106 metres, will reopen in mid-May, while the Klausen Pass, at 1,948 metres, will follow suit, both welcoming travelers in mid-May.
- By the end of May, the Furka Pass will reawaken at 2,429 metres, connecting Uri with Valais, adding to the list of reopening Alpine passes.
- The Susten Pass, between Uri and Bern, will reopen its doors by the end of June, completing the roundup of town-connecting Swiss passes reopening this season.
