Lötschberg Tunnel Toll

The Lötschberg is located in the south of the Swiss canton of Bern and borders the canton of Valais. The Lötschberg Tunnel has a length of 14,600 meters (14.6 km) and was opened in 1913. It is a single-tube, double-track tunnel with a gradient of 7% on the northern side and 3.8% on the southern side, while the incline in the middle section is 0%. The passage takes about 15 minutes, with the tunnel able to accommodate around 80 vehicles simultaneously.

History

During the planning phase, various options were developed to pass beneath the roughly 3,500-meter-high Alps. These generally envisaged a long summit tunnel in the Gasterntal, along with additional tunnel sections. The tunnel initially planned was single-track, with a 500-meter-long passing loop for train crossings. The first survey took place on July 14, 1906. After the death of the surveyor responsible, the measurement was repeated on October 1 of the same year. Construction began on October 15, 1906. Shortly afterward, work started in Goppenstein, followed a day later by work in Kandersteg on the northern side. In August 1907, the expansion to a double-track tunnel was approved. The Lötschberg line was opened for public traffic on July 15, 1913.

Surroundings of the Lötschberg Tunnel

The area surrounding the Lötschberg Tunnel features numerous other mountains, including the First, Chlyne Lohner, Lohner, Innerer Fisistock, Doldenhorn, and Altels. This mountain landscape is characterized by extensive forested areas such as the Gasterntal.

Lötschberg Tunnel: Car Shuttle Trains (Car Trains)

The Lötschberg Tunnel is not a conventional road tunnel, but is instead used for car shuttle transport. This involves car trains that quickly transport travelers along with their vehicles through the Alps, offering a comfortable alternative to mountain pass roads. The connection runs within Switzerland between Kandersteg and Goppenstein. The trains run every 30 minutes during the day, with a journey time of about 15 minutes.

Regardless of the vignette requirement or the heavy vehicle charge, additional fees apply for using the car shuttle service in the Lötschberg Tunnel. For more information on the process, ticket purchase, and important notes, please see our article on Car Shuttle Trains (Car Trains).

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and much enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive natural landscapes. Please make sure to find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you optimally plan your journey and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to assist you. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.