Gotthard Pass Reopens Ahead of Holiday Traffic.

The Gotthard Pass in Switzerland will reopen to road traffic on Friday at 11 a.m., earlier than expected due to favourable weather conditions.

The Federal Roads Office confirmed that clearing and repair work progressed faster than planned because of low snowfall this season. As a result, the winter closure of the pass will be lifted ahead of the busy holiday travel period.

The reopening is expected to ease traffic on the heavily used north–south route along the A2 motorway, especially during the upcoming Ascension and Whitsun holiday weekends.

With the pass reopening, the seasonal extension at the Göschenen exit will also return to operation. The extended three-kilometre lane, starting near Wassen, is designed to reduce congestion and prevent traffic from diverting into nearby villages.

On the southern side, a special traffic lane at Airolo will also be activated to manage holiday traffic flow more efficiently.

Authorities stated that these measures aim to improve safety and reduce congestion along one of Switzerland’s most important transit routes, which connects northern and southern Europe through the Alps.

The early reopening is expected to benefit both local commuters and international travelers using the route during the peak travel season.

Luxury Car Theft Surges Across Switzerland.

Luxury car theft is rising sharply across Switzerland, with new data highlighting a growing concern for vehicle owners and insurers. According to AXA, the number of reported car theft cases has increased significantly in recent years.

In 2025 alone, nearly 400 vehicle theft cases were reported to AXA. The total financial damage reached approximately CHF 5 million, almost double the losses recorded before the pandemic.

The average cost per car theft has also increased. In 2025, each case resulted in an average loss of around CHF 14,000, marking a steady rise over the past decade. Experts note that the average damage value has increased by about CHF 4,000 over the last ten years.

Certain regions have been more affected than others. The cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Basel City reported the highest number of car theft cases. Ticino also recorded above-average incidents over the past decade.

In contrast, regions such as Obwalden and Glarus reported the lowest rates of vehicle theft.

Experts suggest that proximity to international borders plays a key role in these trends. Organized criminal groups are increasingly targeting high-value vehicles and transporting them خارج the country. Urban areas, with higher vehicle density, also provide more opportunities for theft.

Insurance officials warn that the trend could continue if preventive measures are not strengthened. Vehicle owners are advised to use enhanced security systems and remain vigilant, especially in high-risk regions.

2.8 Magnitude Quake Near St. Gallen

A minor earthquake measuring 2.8 magnitude struck near Sankt Gallen in eastern Switzerland late night, according to the Swiss Seismological Service.

The tremor occurred on May 5, 2026, at approximately 11:00 PM local time. Seismologists reported that the quake originated at a very shallow depth of just 0.40 kilometers, which increases the likelihood of it being felt near the epicenter.

Experts noted that the magnitude, depth, and exact epicenter may be revised as additional seismic data is analyzed. However, early assessments indicate that the quake was weak and unlikely to have caused any structural damage.

Residents in nearby areas may have experienced light shaking. The town of Flums, located about 4 km from the epicenter, likely felt mild vibrations. Other nearby locations such as Vaduz and Triesen may have experienced very weak tremors.

Further regions including Appenzell and Glarus were unlikely to have felt the quake due to their distance from the epicenter.

Authorities have not reported any injuries or damage. Minor earthquakes of this scale are relatively common in Switzerland and are typically not a cause for concern.