Switzerland: A8 and A6 in the Bernese Oberland closed multiple times in October 2026
The Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) will close several sections of the national roads A8 and A6 in the Bernese Oberland in October 2026. The A8 on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is particularly affected: the Leissigen Tunnel and the section between Interlaken-Ost and Brienz will be completely closed in both directions for four nights until October 9, 2026, each from 8 pm to 5 am. This is stated in a press release issued by the ASTRA branch in Thun on September 29, 2026.
The A8 is the main connection between Spiez, Interlaken, and the Brünig Pass towards central Switzerland. Anyone travelling to holiday destinations in the Bernese Oberland over the next two weeks should be aware of the closure times. Closures are mostly at night, with traffic being diverted via the cantonal road.
Overview of the closures
A8 Leissigen Tunnel and A8 Interlaken-Ost to Brienz: still on the nights of October 7–8 and October 8–9, each from 8 pm to 5 am, both directions. The closures already began on October 5.
A8 Därligen bypass: from October 12–15 and October 19–22, 2026, each from 8 am to 4 pm, towards Spiez only. This affects daytime traffic in particular, especially those driving back from the Bernese Oberland towards Thun and Bern.
A8 Leimern Tunnel: on the night of October 12–13, from 8 pm to 6 am, both directions.
A6 Spiezwiler Tunnel: on the night of October 15–16, from 7 pm to 6 am, both directions. A6 Simmental feeder road: on the night of October 20–21, from 8 pm to 4:30 am, towards Wimmis only.
What travellers should keep in mind
Anyone driving through the Bernese Oberland at night, for example when arriving for a late check-in or returning from an event, should check in advance whether the tunnel is open and allow extra travel time on the cantonal road. Binding signage for the diversion is provided on site. The cantonal roads used for the diversion are not part of the toll-vignette network, but the Swiss vignette remains mandatory on the remaining motorway sections.
If you're continuing further south, our page also has the latest roadworks on the Gotthard route: in autumn there are night closures at the Gotthard Tunnel, likewise night closures in autumn at the Seelisberg Tunnel on the A2, and the Sargans motorway junction is closed at night until October 10.
Switzerland toll at a glance
For cars, motorcycles and motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW, the digital vignette requirement applies on motorways and expressways. Only an annual vignette is available, as Switzerland does not offer shorter validity periods.
For vehicles over 3.5 t GVW, the heavy vehicle charge (PSVA/LSVA) applies instead. In addition, individual tunnels (Great St. Bernard, Munt la Schera) charge a separate special toll, regardless of any other toll product. Switzerland has no distance-based kilometre toll.
All details on tolls in SwitzerlandThe vignette flat rate explained
With our vignette flat rate, you save yourself the hassle of buying individually for each trip: for just 12,80 €* per month, it covers the included vignettes in 8 European countries. For each trip, simply select the appropriate vignette, and the toll fee is then already covered by your flat rate. You are not tied to any single country.
*Official Swiss vignette fee (annual vignette, the only validity period available, as of 09/2026): 40 CHF (approx. 42.54 €), full coverage of the vignette fee by DMC, flat price (per calendar month): 12,80 €, notice period 0 days.
- One flat rate, 8 countries
- Travel flexibly
- Termination directly in the administration
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
You can find all the essentials about the vignette requirement in Switzerland on our guide page for Switzerland. We have summarized other current roadworks in Switzerland in a separate article.
Frequently asked questions about the closures in the Bernese Oberland
The most important answers about the closures on the A8 and A6.
When are the Leissigen tunnel and the Interlaken-Ost to Brienz section closed?
On nights until October 9, 2026, each time from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., in both directions. The closures began on October 5.
Is there a detour?
Yes, traffic is diverted via the cantonal road during all closures. Travelers should plan for additional travel time.
Which closures follow after October 9?
The Därligen bypass will be closed in the direction of Spiez during the day from October 12 to 15 and from October 19 to 22. In addition, the Leimern Tunnel (night of October 12 to 13), the Spiezwiler Tunnel (night of October 15 to 16), and the Simmental feeder road (night of October 20 to 21) will each be closed overnight.
Do I need a vignette on the detour?
No, the cantonal roads of the detour are not part of the network subject to the vignette requirement. On the motorway sections of Switzerland, the vignette remains mandatory.
