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. This makes the tunnel a central traffic link 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 runs 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 opened to public traffic in December 1980. Before it went into operation, the route was often traveled by ferry. 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 Chrüztrichter in the west. The Seelisberg Tunnel runs along this lake landscape between Lake Gersau and Lake Uri.
Niederbauen Kulm
Niederbauen Kulm is a 1,923-meter-high mountain in the Uri Alps, bordering 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 link 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 back in 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 tolls?
Use of the Seelisberg 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 tolls, and appropriate authorization is required for its use.
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 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 journey to Switzerland and much 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 will of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.
FAQ about the Seelisberg Tunnel
Answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
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 either as a sticker vignette at petrol stations or as a digital version conveniently online via us. Vehicles with a weight of over 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 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. The 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, due to maintenance and cleaning work. Current information is available from the Amt für Betrieb Nationalstraßen.
