Pragelpass, Switzerland
Pragelpass, Switzerland
-7°C

Closed for the winter

Muotathal - Glarus

On the Glarus side, the Klöntal lake section is open.

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/


Updated on: 24.11.2024, 16:32

History

The wild valley in which the Starzlen River flows on the Schwyz side of the Pragel Pass was used to get to the Klön Valley on the Glarner side way back in Medieval times. The watershed at the top of the pass acted as a natural border and the area  was used up to the rear Richisau to graze cattle, which was of tremendous economic importance. The urge to aquire new lands lead to tension with neighbouring areas and even had to be taken to the courts (1417/18). Disputes about border rights flared up again during the 17th century and Johann Franz Schmid, the bailiff of Uri, had to step in to mediate and it wasn’t until 1680 that the borders between Glarus and Schwyz were finally determined. Even today it is still joked about the stealing of the Klön Valley. 

The Pragel Pass gained historical importance with the retreat of the Russion general Alexander Suworow, who retreated from defeat in upper Italy via the Gotthard Pass, Altdorf, Chinzig Chulm and through the Muota Valley into the Klön Valley and Glarus on his way back to Russia in 1799.

Although there were no particular geological problems, the project to build a road over the Pragel Pass (1766-1908) continually fell through and a projected narrow-guage railway was also never realized (1911). It wasn’t until 1939 that the Swiss Federal Government agreed to subsidise the building of a goods road. The Glarner side was built in 1940 and the Schwyz side in 1978 (with assistance from the Swiss army). The Glarner parliament forbade the use of the road on weekends, which the Swiss government also supported in 1981 and since then the road is closed for motorised traffic between Klöntal and Richisau on Saturday and Sunday. The area offers nature-lovers plenty to see with the Bödmeren forest, Silberen, Charetalp and bike riders can enjoy the car free (but not sweat free) road! 

Closed time during winter: Opening / Closing Pragelpass

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
Pragelpass
08.06. -
10.11.
01.06. -
18.11.
14.06. -
02.11.
19.05. -
26.10.
20.06. -
07.11.
21.06. -
29.10.
31.05. -
23.10.
13.06. -
07.11.
03.06. -
21.11.

Technical Data

West31 kmMuotathal (607 m.a.s.l.)7.8%4.9%1548 m.a.s.l.Riedern (529 m.a.s.l.)East19 km
Cantons
Schwyz (SZ), Glarus (GL)
Distance
50 Km
Vertex
1548 m.a.s.l.
Max. gradient
18 %
Passable
Winter closure (Oct/May)
Road expansion
mostly single lane
Restaurant
yes

Location

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Signalisation

Standort Moutathal

- Fahrverbot für Gesellschaftswagen über 3.5 t Gesamtgewicht und für Kleinbusse über 14  Plätze.

- Fahrverbot für Lastwagen über 3.5 t Gesamtgewicht, ausgenommen für land- und forstwirtschaftlichen Verkehr.

- Fahrverbot für Anhänger, ausgenommen für land- und forstwirtschaftlichen Verkehr.

- Fahrverbot für Mililärfahrzeuge über 12t Gesamtgewicht

- Fahrverbot für Militärfahrzeuge über 12t Gesamtgewicht.

Standort Passhöhe

- Samstags und sonntags gilt ein Verbot für Motorwagen und Motorräder, ab 5.5 km nach 

- Passhöhe (Kantonsgrenze SZ/GL) bis Richisau, ca. 2 km. Zuständigkeit beim Kanton Glarus.

Passes

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