It connects the Frick River valley and Brugg and is the shortest road between Basel and Zürich.

In Roman times, the pass was known as Mons Vocetius; it formed an important link between Augusta Raurica and Vindonissa.

The Roman road ran somewhat north of the present route, and a stretch of it can be seen near Effingen.

It was the site of the final defeat of the Helvetii in AD 69, following their uprising in the civil war of Galba.

The middle route won out, even though it was swampy and steep (with grades up to 20 percent) and too small for large coaches.