The Belchen Tunnel is a roughly 3,200-meter (3.2 km) long three-tube motorway tunnel, located on the Swiss A2 motorway between Eptingen and Hägendorf, connecting the cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn. It is part of the most important north-south axis from Basel to the Swiss Central Plateau and onward towards the Gotthard. Before the opening of the Belchen Tunnel, traffic from northwestern Switzerland and Germany was mainly routed via country roads and the Upper and Lower Hauenstein passes.
Due to the high traffic load, particularly around the city gate of Liestal, planning for a new national road including a tunnel became necessary. Construction began in 1960, and in 1970 the tunnel was finally opened to traffic for cars, motorcycles, and trucks.
Technical note: The northern tunnel portal lies at approximately 605 meters above sea level, while the southern portal is slightly higher at around 610 meters. Due to the high mountain pressure, damage to the tunnel structure appeared at an early stage. For this reason, extensive renovation measures were necessary 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. The third tube (renovation tunnel, built from 2015 to 2022) serves as a replacement during the refurbishment of the two older tubes (expected to last until 2035), carrying the traffic of whichever tube is closed at the time. It is also available as an emergency tube in the event of incidents such as fires or accidents. This concept allows maintenance work to be carried out more efficiently, as traffic disruptions and congestion can be reduced.
Is the Belchen Tunnel subject to tolls?
Use of the Belchen Tunnel requires the vignette obligation 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 tolls, and a corresponding 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 heavy vehicle charge paid. 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. If you have any questions, we are of course 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. Its use requires a vignette, which can be purchased as a sticker vignette at petrol 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. You can find more information on this in our guide to the heavy vehicle charge.
Is the Belchen Tunnel subject to special toll?
No, the Belchen Tunnel is subject to tolls, but not to a special toll. A 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 to the special toll.
About the author
Michelle Albrecht