Belchen Tunnel (toll required)
The Belchen Tunnel is an approximately 3,200-meter (3.2 km) long three-tube motorway tunnel located on the Swiss motorway A2 between Eptingen and Hägendorf, connecting the cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn. It represents one of the most important north-south connections between Germany and the Basel region. Before the opening of the Belchen Tunnel, traffic from northwestern Switzerland and Germany was mainly routed via country roads as well as the Upper and Lower Hauenstein passes.
Due to the high traffic load, particularly in the area of the Liestal city gate, planning a new national road including a tunnel became necessary. Construction work began in 1960, and in 1970 the tunnel was finally opened to traffic for cars, motorcycles, and trucks.
Technical note: The northern tunnel portal is located at around 605 meters above sea level, while the southern portal is slightly higher at approximately 610 meters. Due to high mountain pressure, damage to the tunnel structure occurred early on. For this reason, extensive renovation work was required between 2001 and 2003, during which one tunnel tube was temporarily closed at a time.
How many tubes does the Belchen Tunnel have?
The Belchen Tunnel has a total of three tubes. However, the third tube is not used for regular traffic but is used for operational purposes such as rescue services, diversions, and maintenance work. This concept enables more efficient execution of maintenance measures, as traffic disruptions and congestion can be reduced.
Is the Belchen Tunnel subject to toll?
Use of the Belchen Tunnel is subject to the vignette requirement for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, or the obligation to pay the heavy vehicle charge for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. Thus, the tunnel is subject to toll, and appropriate authorization is required.
Unlike tunnels subject to special tolls such as the Great St. Bernard Tunnel or the Munt-La-Schera Tunnel, however, no additional fees apply beyond the vignette or the paid heavy vehicle charge. The Belchen Tunnel is not among the special toll routes.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant trip to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please make sure to inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.
FAQ about the Belchen Tunnel
Answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Is the Belchen Tunnel subject to toll?
The Belchen Tunnel is part of the A2 motorway between Eptingen and Hägendorf. A vignette is required for its use, which can be purchased as a sticker vignette at gas stations or conveniently online as a digital version via us. Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight are exempt from the vignette requirement and are instead subject to the heavy vehicle charge. For more information on this, please see our guide on the heavy vehicle charge.
Is the Belchen Tunnel subject to a special toll?
No, although the Belchen Tunnel is subject to toll, it is not subject to a special toll. Special tolls only apply to certain tunnels such as the Munt-La-Schera Tunnel and the Great St. Bernard Tunnel. For more information on this, please see our guide on special tolls.
