Closed for the winter
Meiringen - Grindelwald
The winter closure is in effect from today, 20 October 2025. The pass is expected to open in 2026: Ascension Day, 14 May 2026, with the start of bus service.
There is a general driving ban on motorized traffic between Schwarzwaldalp and Grindelwald (Hotel Wetterhorn).
Updated on: 20.10.2025, 05:36
History
Crossing the Grosse Scheidegg from Grindelwald to Meiringen gave the farmers of the Lütschinen Valley access to the Sbrinz-Route (see: Brünig Pass, Grimsel Pass) in order to export their cheese and livestock to Italy. Construction of the Gotthard Railway (1882) put an end to the trading route and the Grosse Scheidegg lost its importance. The up-and-coming tourism brought travellers to the area keen to discover the natural beauty of the pass, so close to the glaciers between Meiringen and Grindelwald. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe set out through the Rosenlaui Valley in 1779 on his way over the Grosse Scheidegg. The first hotels opened around 1830. With the construction of the Wengenalp Railway up to the Kleine Scheidegg and the Jungfrau Joch, the Grosse Scheidegg became less popular as a tourist route. On the Grindelwald side a road was built up to the top of the pass in 1966 it wasnt until 1979 that the connecting road was built from Schwarzwaldalp to the top of the pass, which now offers a lovely postbus ride. Private vehicles are strictly forbidden on this part of the road, making it very popular for cyclists and hikers prepared to tackle the steepness of the road. The tranquility and beauty of the area make the effort worthwhile.
Closed time during winter: Opening / Closing Grosse Scheidegg
| Pass/Year | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grosse Scheidegg | 18.05. - 21.10. | 21.05. - 23.10. | 17.05. - 03.11. | 11.06. - 25.10. | 21.05. - 27.10. | 25.05. - 28.10. | 19.05. - 28.10. | 19.05. - 15.11. | 20.05. - 07.11. | 20.11. |
Accommodation and activities
Technical Data
Location
Signalisation
Schwarzwaldalp - Grindelwald (Hotel Wetterhorn)
- Generelles Fahrverbot für Motorfahrzeuge und Motorräder
- Ausgenommen sind: Postauto sowie Land- und Forstwirtschaft
- Spezialbewilligungen für Anwohner
Abzweigung Lammi - Schwarzwaldalp
- Zulässiges Höchstgewicht 3,5 t
- Für Land- und Forstwirtschaft Höchstgewicht 10 t
- Sonderbewilligung für LKWs notwendig, zu beantragen bei der Gemeinde Schattenhalb
- Das Postauto hat in jedem Fall Vortritt, auch gegenüber den Radfahrern
- Im Reichenbach- und Rosenlauital ist im gesamten Perimeter ab Zahlstelle Zwirgi bis zur Schwarzwaldalp eine Parkgebühr für Motorfahrzeuge zu entrichten. Die Zahlstellen befinden sich im Oberzwirgi und auf dem Parkplatz Schwarzwaldalp
- Das Postauto hat in jedem Fall Vortritt, auch gegenüber den Radfahrern
Passes
- -5°COpen, snow covered. Risk of slippery iceUpdated on: 03.11.2025, 08:51
Preda - La Punt Chamues-ch
- -5°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 03.11.2025, 11:42
Pontresina - San Carlo
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.
- 0°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 23.08.2025, 08:31
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.
- -5°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 03.11.2025, 11:04
- -4°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 27.10.2025, 14:01
- -4°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 03.11.2025, 11:09
La Motta - Country border
Traffic information for the bordering South Tyrol/Passes: www.suedtirol.com/verkehr/berg-paesse
- -3°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 23.05.2025, 18:05
Sarnen - Entlebuch
On the Obwalden side, the road remains open during the winter as far as Langis.
- -3°CClosed until further noticeUpdated on: 13.10.2025, 06:41
Giswil - Sörenberg, "Panoramastrasse"
Due to construction work between Mörlialp and the Glaubenbielen car park, this section of the route will be closed to all traffic from 6:45 a.m. on 13 October 2025. Weather permitting, access from Sörenberg to the Glaubenbielen car park and from the Obwalden side to Mörlialp will be permitted. Once the construction work has been completed, the usual winter closure is expected to take effect.
Important note: The Panoramastrasse on the Obwaldner side open during the winter to Mörlialp. Restrictions for coaches and trucks see section Signalization.
- -2°CClosed until further noticeUpdated on: 28.10.2025, 07:06
Hospental - Airolo
The Gotthard Pass between Hospental and Airolo remains closed until further notice due to weather conditions. A reassessment will follow in the next few days.
Tremola (Strada turistica) Passhöhe - Airolo: 3.5 t. winter closure
- -7°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 27.10.2025, 12:49
Guttannen - Gletsch
On the Bernese side, it remains open until KW Handegg.
- -3°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 20.10.2025, 05:31
Bourg-St-Pierre - national border
Important note: On 20 October 2025 from 0800 hours, the Great St Bernard Pass will be closed for the winter.
- -6°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 20.10.2025, 05:36
Meiringen - Grindelwald
The winter closure is in effect from today, 20 October 2025. The pass is expected to open in 2026: Ascension Day, 14 May 2026, with the start of bus service.
There is a general driving ban on motorized traffic between Schwarzwaldalp and Grindelwald (Hotel Wetterhorn).
-
- -4°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 03.11.2025, 11:52
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 pass.
- 0°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 31.10.2025, 03:54
Urigen - Urnerboden
From 31 October 2025, the Klausen Pass will be closed for the winter.
Info for car travel summer 2025:
2.30 m wide, two-axle and 18-ton vehicles do not require a permit, also applies at weekends.
From the opening of the pass in 2025 until its closure in 2025, 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 - 0°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 04.11.2025, 06:15
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
- -2°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 03.11.2025, 05:33
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,
- -1°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 27.10.2025, 10:36
All' Acqua - Ulrich
On the Ticino side open during the winter to All'Acqua.
-
- 0°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 04.11.2025, 17:32
Zernez - Tschierv
Note: Road closure between Punt la Drossa and Punt dal Gall. Due to construction work. No diversion. Friday, 7 November 2025, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
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
- -1°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 03.11.2025, 12:00
Muotathal - Glarus
The Pragel Pass road between the Pragel-Bödmeren Alpine cheese dairy on the Schwyz side and Gampel on the Glarus side is now closed for the winter.
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/ - -4°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 03.11.2025, 15:57
Hinterrhein - San Bernardino (Pass road, italien road).
- 0°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 30.10.2025, 05:23
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.
-
- -8°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 27.10.2025, 12:53
Wassen - Innertkirchen
On the Bernese side, it remains open until Obermaad.
- -5°COpen, with restrictionsUpdated on: 04.11.2025, 17:27
Sta. Maria i. M. - country border
Winter closure from Monday, 10 November 2025, 2 p.m.
Winter closure of the Stelvio Pass from Friday, 7 November 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Traffic information for neighbouring South Tirol pass: www.suedtirol.com/verkehr/berg-paesse