Swiss Alpine Passes

Before you go

• The high passes are closed in winter because of snow and reopen, depending on snow, only in late spring or early summer. Check the current status with the TCS before driving.
• Motorhomes up to 3.5 t need the motorway vignette. Heavier ones pay the flat-rate heavy vehicle fee instead.
• Wild camping is not regulated uniformly in Switzerland; cantons and municipalities decide. It is banned in protected areas. Plan overnight stays at campsites in the valley.

Planning

Four well-known passes form a loop through the central Alps: Furka (2,429 m) between Uri and Valais, Grimsel (about 2,160 m) between Bern and Valais, Susten (2,224 m) between Innertkirchen and Wassen, and Nufenen (2,478 m) between Valais and Ticino. They open one after another in spring, and the order changes from year to year. The Touring Club Switzerland publishes the current status of the main passes, which should be checked on the day of travel.

Camping

Switzerland has no uniform rule on wild camping; cantons and municipalities set it. It is banned in nature reserves, the national park and wildlife rest zones. Overnight stays in a vehicle in car parks fall under local rules, and according to the TCS camping with chairs or an awning is not allowed. Plan the high passes as day trips from a valley base. Many nearby sites are seasonal, so check opening times with the operator.

Getting around

Motorhomes up to 3.5 t need the vignette for motorways. Heavier motorhomes need no vignette and pay the flat-rate heavy vehicle charge, which applies on all roads. The Great St Bernard and Munt la Schera tunnels charge extra. Motorhomes over 3.5 t have a lower speed limit on motorways. Check current rules with the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security.

FAQs