What is the Kerenzerberg Tunnel?
The Kerenzerberg Tunnel, also known as the Kerenzer Tunnel, is a nearly 6 km long road tunnel that opened in 1986 and runs through the Kerenzerberg along Lake Walen. With a length of 5,760 meters, it is the fifth-longest road tunnel in Switzerland. The tunnel is generally only used in one direction – from Zurich towards Sargans/Chur. It is part of the A3 motorway from Zurich to Sargans and relieves the Walenseestrasse, which runs along the lake in both directions. In the opposite direction, the A3 runs directly along Lake Walen through six smaller tunnels. The Kerenzerberg Tunnel runs parallel to the Kerenzerberg railway tunnel, which is nearly 4 km long and was already opened in 1960.
Lake Walen
Lake Walen is a mountain lake in the cantons of St. Gallen and Glarus in Switzerland and a popular travel destination. With a length of 15.5 km and a width of 2 km, it is the twelfth-largest lake in Switzerland and is often referred to as the Riviera of Eastern Switzerland. Due to its clear water and a maximum depth of 150 meters, Lake Walen is particularly popular among divers, but also offers numerous hiking trails as well as an impressive combination of lake and mountain scenery. Travelers can reach Lake Walen quickly via the A3 from Zurich.
Renovation of the Kerenzerberg Tunnel
The Kerenzerberg Tunnel is currently undergoing renovation. This is the first comprehensive modernization since its opening in 1986. The safety gallery running parallel to the main tunnel was completed in summer 2025. The refurbishment of the tunnel itself has been underway since March 2026 and is expected to last until the end of October 2028. During the construction work, the Kerenzerberg Tunnel will remain open during the day, but will be closed at night (generally on weekdays between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.). Full closures may also occur occasionally during the day. Information on current closures can be found on the official website.
Is the Kerenzerberg Tunnel subject to tolls?
The Kerenzerberg Tunnel is subject to the vignette requirement (vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW) or the obligation to pay the heavy vehicle fee (vehicles over 3.5 t GVW). The tunnel is therefore subject to tolls, meaning that a valid vignette or the corresponding heavy vehicle fee is required for its use.
However, unlike tunnels subject to special tolls such as the Great St. Bernard Tunnel or the Munt-La-Schera Tunnel, no additional fees apply beyond the vignette or the paid heavy vehicle fee. The Kerenzerberg 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 landscapes. Please 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 are of course always happy to help. You can reach us at any time by email.
FAQ on the Kerenzerberg Tunnel
Answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
How long is the Kerenzerberg Tunnel?
The Kerenzerberg Tunnel is 5,760 meters long.
Can the Kerenzerberg Tunnel be used during the construction work?
The Kerenzerberg Tunnel remains open during construction work. However, at night the tunnel is closed from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and temporary full closures may also occur during the day. For more information, please visit the official page.
About the author
Michelle Albrecht