Belchen Tunnel (toll required)
The Belchen Tunnel is an approximately 3,200-metre (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 Belchen Tunnel opened, 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 volume of traffic, particularly in the area of Liestal's town 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 metres above sea level, while the southern portal, at around 610 metres, is slightly higher. Due to the high mountain pressure, damage to the tunnel structure occurred at an early stage. For this reason, extensive renovation works were 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 emergency services, diversions and maintenance work. This concept allows maintenance measures to be carried out more efficiently, as traffic disruptions and congestion can be reduced.
Is the Belchen Tunnel subject to a 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. The tunnel is therefore subject to a toll, and appropriate authorisation is required.
Unlike tunnels subject to a special toll such as the Great St Bernard Tunnel or the Munt La Schera Tunnel, however, no additional fees apply besides the vignette or the paid heavy vehicle charge. The Belchen Tunnel is not one of the special toll routes.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive natural scenery. Please make sure to find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the relevant toll products. Should 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 a toll?
The Belchen Tunnel is part of the A2 motorway between Eptingen and Hägendorf. To use it, a vignette is required, which can be purchased as a sticker vignette at petrol stations or conveniently online as a digital version via us. Vehicles with a weight of over 3.5 t gross weight are exempt from the vignette requirement and are instead subject to the heavy vehicle charge. Further information on this can be found in our guide on the heavy vehicle charge.
Is the Belchen Tunnel subject to special toll?
No, the Belchen Tunnel is subject to toll, but not to special toll. Special toll only applies to certain tunnels such as the Munt-La-Schera Tunnel and the Great St. Bernard Tunnel. You can find more information on this in our guide on special toll.
