Open, no restrictions
Guttannen - Gletsch
Unchanged valid since:: 07.09.2026, 21:25
History
The Grimsel Pass was used as an alpine traverse route way back in Roman times. Its importance as a trading route (Luzern-Milan) is proven by a «Document of Trade» signed 12 August 1397, in which the cantons of Bern and Valais regulated the upkeep of trails and bridges, duties and the running of the Hospiz. Wine, rice, Murano glass etc came northwards and cheese (Sbrinz), leather, iron goods and livestock were brought southwards.
The trading route was an important source of income for the residents of the Haslital and Goms, which came to an abrupt end around the end of the 1800s when the Gotthard Railway was opened.
The Grimsel pass gained international significance at the end of the 1800s when the famous explorers Horace Bénédict de Saussure and Franz Josef Hugi chose the Grimsel as the centre of their alpine research.
The pass road was constructed for horse-drawn wagons in 1894 and they travelled over the pass until 1925 when the KWO Hydroelectric Power Company widened the roads to make construction of their hydro-dams and power plants possible.
The canton of Bern continually extended the pass road between 1950 and construction ended on the Bernese side in 1972. The canton of Valais didnt begin widening the road until 1975. Final construction on both sides ended in 1986.
Closed time during winter: Opening / Closing Grimselpass
| Pass/Year | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grimselpass | 28.05. - 27.10. | 14.06. - 11.11. | 02.06. - 02.11. | 25.05. - 09.11. | 11.06. - 03.11. | 29.05. - 28.10. | 14.06. - 04.11. | 08.06. - 29.10. | 02.06. - 30.10. | 10.06. - 07.11. | 03.06. - 19.11. | 28.05. - 27.10. | 15.06. - 04.11. | 07.06. - 27.10. | 07.05. - 02.12. | 28.05. - 25.10. | 06.06. - 26.10. | 31.05. - 29.10. | 10.05. - 07.11. | 25.05. - 15.11. | 26.05. - 15.11. | 10.06. - 08.11. | 28.05. - 27.10. | 24.05. - 04.11. | 01.06. - 07.11. | 31.05. - 31.10. | 16.06. - 06.11. | 21.05. - 25.10. | 29.05. - 10.11. | 24.05. - 06.11. | 23.06. - 02.11. | 01.06. - 10.11. | 28.05. - 11.11. | 05.06. - 21.10. |
Accommodation and activities
- Historical Alpine Hotel Grimsel Hospiz
Magical at any time of the year - Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe
Pass the time on the Grimsel Pass - Gelmer Funicular
Thrilling ride - Hospiz: Grimsel Undergrund
Experience Hydropower - Hotel and Nature Resort Handeck
A feel-good nature resort - Restaurant und Berghaus Oberaar
Hospitable Natural Spectacle - Sidelhorn Aerial Cable Car
Take a ride in the heart of hydrolectricity - Hotel Grimselblick
Pure nature and a suntan - Esotec
Energy Systems for high alpine buildings - X-Alpin
Extreme places extreme projects - Hotel Bären
The traditional guest house on the Grimselpass - Oberaarbahn
Latest attraction in the Grimselwelt - Hospizbahn
To the foot of the Grimsel dam - Reichenbachfall-Bahn
Where Sherlock Holmes lost his last battle - Aare Gorge
Experience a natural wonder up close - Chalet-Hotel Schwarzwaldalp
Pure pleasure in Rosenlaui - Hotel-Restaurant Rhonequelle
Near the source of the Rhone River - Infopoint Gletsch
- Hotel-Restaurant Alpina
Welcome! - Pass Excursions with the Post bus
The big Pass-Adventure - Landgasthof Tännler
familiär und gemütlich - Hotel Hof & Post
Something for everyone! - Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet
The Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet excites the whole region - Dorfhotel Simplon Dorf
authentisch. alpin. herzlich.
Technical Data
Location
Signalisation
Grimsel Passhöhe - Gletsch/Brig:
- zulässiges Höchstgewicht 32 t
Passes
- Open, with restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 03.09.2026, 16:424°C12%30.4 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Preda - La Punt Chamues-ch
The Albulastrasse, between Crap Alv and Albula Hospiz, must be closed to all traffic on the following days, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., due to road resurfacing work.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026; Wednesday, August 26, 2026; Thursday, August 27, 2026
The closures are subject to weather conditions. The alternate dates are: Tuesday, September 1, 2026; Wednesday, September 2, 2026; Thursday, September 3, 2026Important notice: On Sunday 6 September 2026, the Albulastrassee between Bergün and La Punt will be closed from 08:00 to 17:00 due to a sporting event.
Please note: Between Crap Alv and Albula Hospice, traffic disruption and waiting times of up to 30 minutes are to be expected on the following days, between 7.00 pm and 5.00 am each day, due to road resurfacing works
Thursday 10 September 2026 – Friday 11 September 2026
Monday, 14 September 2026 – Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 – Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 – Thursday, 17 September 2026
Next update: 17 September 2026, 05:00 - Open, with restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 03.09.2026, 10:164°C10%37 Kmopen all year round
Pontresina - San Carlo
Note: Closure between Pontresina and Bernina Suot (cattle drive from Bernina Suot to Montebello) Thursday, 10 September 2026, 18:25 – 19:45
Please note: Due to an event (Bernina Gran Turismo), the Bernina Road between Ospizio Bernina and La Rösa will be closed on Saturday 12 September 2026 from 08:30 to 12:10 and from 13:30 to 17:10, and on Sunday, 13 September 2026 from 08:30 to 12:10.
Winter tyres are obligatory for the whole winter period. Depending on the weather conditions, snow chains may be obligatory over a short period, or the pass may close. - Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 29.03.2026, 17:5611°C13%13 Kmopen all year round
Lungern - Brienzwiler
Winter tyres are obligatory for the whole winter period. Depending on the weather conditions, snow chains may be obligatory over a short period, or the pass may close completely.
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 29.08.2026, 18:164°C14.6%27 KmWinter closure (Jan /May)
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 07.09.2026, 21:214°C11%29 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 10.06.2026, 17:585°C12.7%21.3 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
La Motta - Country border
Traffic information for the bordering South Tyrol/Passes: www.suedtirol.com/verkehr/berg-paesse
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 29.05.2026, 17:067°C11%32 KmWinter closure from Langis: November - April
Sarnen - Entlebuch
The urgent structural work has been completed. The road is now open again.
On the Obwalden side, the road remains open during the winter as far as Langis.
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 13.05.2026, 14:428°C12%39 KmWinter closure from Mörlialp (Oct / May)
Giswil - Sörenberg, "Panoramastrasse"
Important notice: On 13 May 2026, Panoramastrasse will reopen to traffic from 3 pm.
Important note: During the winter, the road on the Obwalden side will remain open as far as Mörlialp.
Important note: Restrictions for coaches and trucks see section Signalization.
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 07.09.2026, 21:236°C9%24 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Hospental - Airolo
Tremola (Strada turistica) Passhöhe - Airolo: 3.5 t. maximum weight
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 07.09.2026, 21:254°C11%24 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Guttannen - Gletsch
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 22.06.2026, 17:493°C11%44 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Bourg-St-Pierre - national border
Important notice: The Great St Bernard Pass will reopen on 22 June 2026 from 1100 hours.
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 15.05.2026, 06:315°C15%28 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Meiringen - Grindelwald
Pass opening 2026: Ascension Day, 14 May 2026, with the start of bus services.
There is a general driving ban on motorized traffic between Schwarzwaldalp and Grindelwald (Hotel Wetterhorn).
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 02.04.2026, 13:549°C10.1%17 Kmopen all year round
Schwyz - Oberiberg
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 10.06.2026, 21:545°C12%16 Kmopen all year round
Bivio - Silvaplana
Winter equipment is mandatory during the winter months. Snow chains are compulsory for a limited period of time depending on the circumstances, as is any closure of the pas
- Open, with restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 02.09.2026, 08:497°C9%35 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Urigen - Urnerboden
Important notice: On 13 September 2026, the Klausen Pass will be closed to motorised traffic between Unterschächen and Linthal from 10.00 to 16.00 due to a sporting event.
Notice regarding roadworks: To ensure the safety of the road infrastructure, a retaining wall on the valley side is being renovated in the Schlierenegg area (located between the pass summit and Urnerboden). The works are expected to last until October 2026. Traffic in the construction zone is being controlled by traffic lights. There may be short delays.
Info for car travel summer 2026:
2.30 m wide, two-axle and 18-ton vehicles do not require a permit, also applies at weekends. Timing must be coordinated with Postbus routes.
From the opening of the pass in 2026 until its closure in 2026, single-decker, 2.55 m wide, two-axle and max. 18-ton touring cars (trailer ban) may travel on the Klausen Pass from Monday to Friday with a special permit. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Unterschächen to Linthal. Tuesday and Thursday from Linthal to Unterschächen. Timing must be coordinated with Postbus routes.
Permits can be obtained from the Road Traffic Office of the Canton of Uri or the Canton of Glarus.Permits for Linthal – Unterschächen can be obtained at:
Strassenverkehrs- u. Schifffahrtsamt des Kanton Glarus,
Mühleareal17
8762 Schwanden
Tel 055 646 54 00
E-Mail: stva@gl.ch
Permits for Unterschächen - Linthal can be obtained at:
Amt für Strassen- und Schiffsverkehr
Gotthardstrasse 77a
6460 Altdorf
Tel 041 875 28 06
E-Mail: sonderbewilligungen@ur.ch
https://www.ur.ch/publikationen/6500 - Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 07.09.2026, 21:278°C9%39 Kmopen all year round
Fuorns - Campra
Winter tyres are obligater for the whole winter period. Depending on the weather conditions, snow chains may be obligatory over a short period, or the pass imay close completely. See also www.lucomagno.ch
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 29.08.2026, 19:067°C9%30 Kmopen all year round
Silvaplana - Casaccia
Winter tyres are obligatory for the whole winter period. Depending on the weather conditions, snow chains may be obligatory over a short period, or the pass may close Complete,
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 07.09.2026, 21:287°C13%38 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
All' Acqua - Ulrich
On the Ticino side open during the winter to All'Acqua.
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 07.09.2026, 21:307°C6%23 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Tschamut - Andermatt
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 08.07.2026, 20:524°C14.3%35 Kmopen all year round
Zernez - Tschierv
Winter tyres are obligatory for the whole winter period. Depending on the weather conditions, snow chains may be obligatory over a short period, or the pass may close completely.
Traffic information for the bordering South Tyrol/Passes: www.suedtirol.com/verkehr/berg-paesse
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 02.07.2026, 15:098°C18%50 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Muotathal - Glarus
The following traffic restrictions apply to the entire Pragelpass road:
1. Motor vehicles and motorcycles are prohibited on Saturdays and Sundays, 5.5 km after the
pass summit (cantonal border SZ/GL to Richisau, approx. 2 km)
2. On public holidays that do not fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the Pragelpass is normally passable
(except winter closure)
3. Maximum weight 3.5 tons (SSV signal 2.16) except for agricultural, alpine and forestry
traffic, traffic for the construction, operation and maintenance of public and private works (incl.
electrical infrastructures), traffic for milk processing plants and military traffic;
4. Driving ban for trailers (SSV signal 2.09) except for agricultural, alpine and forestry
traffic, traffic for the construction, operation and maintenance of public and private works (incl.
electrical infrastructures), traffic for milk processing plants and military traffic;
5. Maximum weight of agricultural, alpine and forestry traffic, traffic for the construction, operation and maintenance
of public and private works (incl. electrical infrastructure) and traffic for
milk processing plants incl. trailers 32 tons (SSV signal 2.16);
6. Maximum weight of military traffic incl. trailers 12 tons.
For special permits relating to weight restrictions, please use the application form on the
online portal. https://www.bezirk-schwyz.ch/aktuelles/pragelpass/ - Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 17.05.2026, 12:197°C9.7%17 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Hinterrhein - San Bernardino (Pass road, italien road).
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 06.05.2026, 16:278°C9%67 Kmopen all year round
Brig - Gondo
Winter tyres are obligatory for the whole winter period. Depending on ithe weather conditions, snow chains may be obligatory over a short period, or the pass may close completely.
- Open, with restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 08.09.2026, 18:083°C13%39 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Splügen - Country border
Important notice: The Splügen Pass will be closed to all traffic on the Italian side on 9 and 10 September 2026, between 07:30 and 17:30 on each day, due to roadworks below Lago Monte Spluga (Galleria Boffalora?).
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 07.09.2026, 21:423°C9%46 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Wassen - Innertkirchen
- Open, no restrictionsUnchanged valid since:: 29.08.2026, 19:082°C12%33 KmWinter closure (Oct/May)
Sta. Maria i. M. - country border
Traffic information for neighbouring South Tirol pass: www.suedtirol.com/verkehr/berg-paesse