Closed for the winter
Bourg-St-Pierre - national border
Updated on: 23.10.2024, 19:49
History
(Col du Gd-Saint-Bernard; Colle del Gran San Bernardo)
Artifacts found along the northern approach to the Gt. St. Bernhard Pass prove that the pass was used in the early iron ages, making it one of the oldest alpine traverses. The pass was used as a connecting axis between Gallien and the Rhine River as Julius Caesar mentions in his «De bello Gallico». The pass was widened for wagons under the rule of Emperor Claudius (54 a.d). Compared to the other passes that were also used by the Romans there were no difficult gorges and cliffs that had to be passes.
Traders, dignitaries & crusaders all used the pass during the middle ages and it was at this time that it became increasingly used by pilgrims travelling from France to Rome, as substantiated by a journel by the Archbishop Sigerich 1st of Canterbury (d. 994 a.d.).
During Roman times, a tempel revering Poeninus stood at the top of the pass and Bernhard von Menthon , Archdiakon from Aosta had a hospiz built nearby in 1050 a.d. to protect all travellers. Von Menthon was made holy and the Mt. St. Bernard Pass was named after him in the 13th century. The Earls and Dukes of Savoyen generously supported the hospiz and it was eventually taken over by the Augustinian canons. The Augustinians were known and appreciated for their hospitality over hundreds of years. In more recent times the St. Bernhard became famous for breeding St. Bernhard dogs.
The international transit trade began in the 13th century and lead to the development and economical prosperity of the villages and towns along the route. Sembrancher, Bourg-Saint-Pierre, La Cantine de Proz were known as points of goods transfer and the wares were taken over the pass on all sorts of vehicles by the locals. Road taxes and duty were collected at certain points along the way until 1808. Construction of the Mont-Cenis pass in 1803 meant direct competition for traders over the Gr. St. Bernhard, but the Gr. St. Bernhard was politically more important and brought prosperity to the canton of Valais over many hundreds of years. The pass was also of strategic military importance from the 17th century and Napoleon crossed the pass in 1800 a.d. with over 30,000 soldiers to begin battle in the Lombardy. In 1906, the border between Switzerland and Italy was finally regulated. The canon Laurent Joseph Murith («Guide du botaniste qui voyage dans le Valais», 1810) recognised the importance of the pass for explorers and researchers and financed the meteorological and geological findings of Horace Bénédict de Saussure.
The district of Valais began constructing the pass road in 1839 and the Swiss side was completed in 1893 the Italian side not until 1905. The idea of a tunnel under the Col de Menouve, which could be open summer and winter, was already touted in the 19th century and the Valais cantonal government granted permission to build such a tunnel in 1938. Violent opposition from Swiss federal authorities, Simplon supporters and the SBB delayed construction begin until 1958. Europes first underground alpine road tunnel was opened on 13 April 1964. Passenger and goods transport increased continually. The opening of the Gotthard Tunnel reduced the importance of the Gr. St. Bernhard. The best known «face» of the Gr. St. Bernhard still remains that of «Barry» - the St. Bernhard dog with the schnapps bottle tied around his neck.
Closed time during winter: Opening / Closing Grosser Sankt Bernhard
Pass/Year | 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grosser Sankt Bernhard | 01.06. - 16.10. | 31.05. - 17.10. | 04.06. - 18.10. | 29.05. - 12.10. | 03.06. - 14.10. | 05.06. - 15.10. | 30.05. - 04.11. | 03.06. - 17.10. | 05.06. - 19.10. |
Technical Data
Location
Signalisation
Bourg St Bernard - Landesgrenze
- Höchstgewicht 28 t
- Verbot für schwere Motorfahrzeuge. Ausgenommen sind Lieferungen zum Hospiz
Passes
- -12°COpen, snow covered. Risk of slippery iceUpdated on: 21.11.2024, 10:33
Preda - La Punt Chamues-ch
Bergün - La Punt-Chamues-ch snow covered - -12°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 21.11.2024, 05:01
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.
- -3°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 18.10.2024, 15:34
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.
- -12°COpen, snow covered. Risk of slippery iceUpdated on: 20.11.2024, 04:48
- -10°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 11.11.2024, 17:15
Realp - Oberwald
The Furka Pass will be closed today, 11.11.2024 at 1800 hrs, winter closure.
- -11°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 21.11.2024, 05:02
La Motta - Country border
Traffic information for the bordering South Tyrol/Passes: www.suedtirol.com/verkehr/berg-paesse
- -6°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 19.11.2024, 17:22
Sarnen - Entlebuch
Winter closure applies with immediate effect. 19.11.2024, 1600 hrs
On the Obwalden side, the road remains open during the winter as far as Langis.
- -6°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 18.11.2024, 12:35
Giswil - Sörenberg, "Panoramastrasse"
Important note: The Panoramastrasse (Mörlialp - Sörenberg) will be closed for the winter on Monday, November 18, 2024 from 1300 hrs.
On the Obwaldner side open during the winter to Mörlialp
Restrictions for coaches and trucks see section Signalization.
- -8°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 14.11.2024, 17:26
Hospental - Airolo
Important note: The Gotthard Pass will be closed in winter from 14.11.2024, 1800 hrs.
Tremola (Strada turistica) Passhöhe - Airolo: 3.5 t. Closed, winter closure. - -8°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 11.11.2024, 17:16
Guttannen - Gletsch
The Grimsel Pass will be closed today, 11.11.2024 from 1800 hrs, winter closure.
Open on the Bernese side as far as Guttannen.
- -9°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 23.10.2024, 19:49
Bourg-St-Pierre - national border
- -8°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 21.10.2024, 11:27
Meiringen - Grindelwald
Important note: From Schwarzwaldalp to Grindelwald, the winter closure will apply from October 21, 2024. Expected opening in spring: May 17, 2025.
There is a general driving ban on motorized traffic between Schwarzwaldalp and Grindelwald (Hotel Wetterhorn).
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- -11°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 21.11.2024, 03:58
Bivio - Silvaplana
Winter tyres are obligatory for the hole winter period. Depending on the weather conditions, snow chains may be obligatory over a short period, or the pass may close
- -8°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 11.11.2024, 17:17
Urigen - Urnerboden
Important note: The winter closure applies on the Klausen Pass from 1600 hrs on 11.11.2024
Info for coach transport – summer 2024
2.30 m wide, double axis and 18 t vehicles do not need permission to use the road, also on weekends.
From the opening of the pass in 2024: single level, 2.55 m wide, double axis and max. 18 t heavy coaches may use the Klausen pass road from Monday to Friday but must have special permission. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Unterschächen to Linthal. Tuesday and Thursday from Linthal to Unterschächen. Permission is granted by the Strassenverkehrsamt Kanton Uri, or Kanton 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 02
E-Mail: sonderbewilligungen@ur.ch
https://www.ur.ch/publikationen/6500 - -7°COpen, snow covered. Risk of slippery iceUpdated on: 20.11.2024, 09:18
Fuorns - Campra
Disentis - Campra snow covered
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
- -9°COpen, no restrictionsUpdated on: 20.11.2024, 15:23
Silvaplana - Casaccia
Winter tyres are obligatory for the hole winter period. Depending on the weather conditions, snow chains may be obligatory over a short period, or the pass may close Complete,
- -10°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 11.11.2024, 17:16
All' Acqua - Ulrichen
The Nufenen Pass will be closed today, 11.11.2024 from 1800 hrs, winter closure.
On the Ticino side open during the winter to All'Acqua.
- -8°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 20.11.2024, 09:19
Tschamut - Andermatt
Disentis - Tschamut snow coveredImportant note: On November 18, 2024, the Oberalp Pass will be closed for the winter from 1200 hrs.
- -10°COpen, snow covered. Risk of slippery iceUpdated on: 20.11.2024, 11:29
Zernez - Tschierv snow covered
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
- -5°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 18.11.2024, 07:50
Muotathal - Glarus
The winter closure between Fruttli (Schwyz side) and Gampel (Glarus side) is effective immediately. (18.11.2024)
Note: The following traffic restrictions generally apply to the Pragelpass road:
- On Saturdays and Sundays, motorised vehicles and motorbikes are prohibited 5.5 km after the top of the pass (cantonal border SZ/GL to Richisau, approx. 2 km)
- Maximum weight 3.5 tonnes (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 infrastructure), traffic for milk-processing plants and military traffic;
- 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 infrastructure), traffic for milk processing plants and military traffic;
- Maximum weight for 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 tonnes (SSV signal 2.16);
- Maximum weight of military traffic including trailers 12 tonnes.
- On public holidays that do not fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the Pragel Pass is normally passable.See also: https://www.bezirk-schwyz.ch/aktuelles/pragelpass/
- -6°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 15.11.2024, 14:47
Hinterrhein - San Bernardino (Pass road, italien road).
Winter road closure on the San Bernardino with immediate effect. 15.11.2024
- -7°COpen, snow covered. Risk of slippery iceUpdated on: 21.11.2024, 09:18
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.
- -6°COpen, snow covered. Risk of slippery iceUpdated on: 20.11.2024, 05:14
Splügen - Country border
Important note: The expected winter closure is scheduled for Monday Nov. 25, 2024 08:00 am.
- -10°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 11.11.2024, 10:10
Wassen - Innertkirchen
The Susten Pass is now closed for the winter
On the Bernese side, the road remains open until Obermaad.
- -13°CClosed for the winterUpdated on: 18.11.2024, 11:34
Sta. Maria i. M. - country border
Important note: On Monday, November 18, 2024 from 12:00 the winter closure is in placeTraffic information for neighbouring South Tirol pass: www.suedtirol.com/verkehr/berg-paesse