In a control method and a control device for shifting an automatic and, in particular, non-powershift-capable transmission having at least two gears, data of a driving-speed-related data source are received by at least one electronic control unit for a defined forecast range. The data are such that the control unit can determine therefrom a region at least lying in the forecast range and having a limit speed below the maximum speed of the lower gear. If such a region was actually detected in the forecast range, either the lower gear is maintained or shifting is performed from the higher gear to the lower gear. Shifting back to the lower gear is preferably performed only if a driver power request value lies below a defined threshold and the driving speed lies below the maximum speed of the lower gear.