Seelisberg Tunnel (toll required)
The Seelisberg Tunnel is a road tunnel in Switzerland with a length of over 9,200 meters. It is part of the A2 motorway (also known as the Gotthard motorway), which runs from the German border near Basel to the Italian border near Chiasso. The tunnel therefore represents a central traffic connection for European north-south traffic.
Contrary to what its name suggests, the Seelisberg Tunnel is not named after the mountain it passes through, but after the nearby village of Seelisberg. The mountain it passes through is called Niederbauen Kulm, is located in the Uri Alps, and reaches a height of 1,923 meters. It also borders Lake Lucerne. The tunnel runs through this mountain along the lake and connects Lucerne with Altdorf. It was opened to public traffic in December 1980. Before it went into operation, the route was often covered using ferries. Today, more than 20,000 vehicles use the Seelisberg Tunnel every day.
Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne is a lake of about 114 km² in central Switzerland, extending across the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, and Lucerne. It is one of the five largest lakes in Switzerland and is located south of Zurich. The most important towns on the lake include Lucerne, Küssnacht, Horw, and Brunnen. The lake is divided into several basins, including Lake Uri in the east, Lake Gersau in the middle, and the Chrüztrichter in the west. The Seelisberg Tunnel runs along this lake landscape between Lake Gersau and Lake Uri.
The Niederbauen Kulm
The Niederbauen Kulm is a 1,923-meter-high mountain in the Uri Alps and borders Lake Lucerne to the south. It has been passed under by the Seelisberg Tunnel since 1980.
The A2 motorway
The A2 motorway, also known as the Gotthard motorway, is the most important road connection through the Swiss Alps between Germany and Italy. It has a total length of around 295 kilometers and runs from Basel to Chiasso. Construction of the A2 began as early as the 1950s, including the opening of the Lucerne-South section in 1955. Notable tunnels along this route include:
Sonnenberg Tunnel
Seelisberg Tunnel
Is the Seelisberg Tunnel subject to a toll?
Use of the Seelisberg Tunnel is subject to the vignette requirement for vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW or the obligation to pay the heavy vehicle charge for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW. The tunnel is therefore subject to a toll, and appropriate authorization is required for its use.
Unlike special toll tunnels such as the Great St. Bernard Tunnel or the Munt-La-Schera Tunnel, however, no additional fees apply in addition to the vignette or the paid heavy vehicle charge. The Seelisberg Tunnel is not a special toll route.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant trip to Switzerland and much enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. 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 appropriate 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 Seelisberg Tunnel
Is the Seelisberg Tunnel subject to a toll?
The Seelisberg Tunnel is part of the A2 motorway, which runs from the German-Swiss border to the Italian-Swiss border. To use it, you need a vignette, which can be purchased as a sticker vignette at gas stations or as a digital version conveniently online through us. Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 t GVW 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 on the heavy vehicle charge.
How long is the Seelisberg Tunnel?
The Seelisberg Tunnel is 9,250 meters long.
When was the Seelisberg Tunnel built?
Construction of the Seelisberg Tunnel began in 1971. Construction work was completed in 1980, and in December 1980 the tunnel was opened to public traffic.
Is the Seelisberg Tunnel closed at certain times?
The Seelisberg Tunnel is generally open to traffic around the clock. However, closures may occur, particularly at night, as part of maintenance and cleaning work. You can obtain up-to-date information from the Federal Roads Office.
