Sperrstelle Gebenstorf, Military fortification in Gebenstorf, Switzerland
The Sperrstelle Gebenstorf is a military fortification with multiple bunkers and observation posts arranged along the Limmat river valley. The complex includes infantry shelters, artillery positions, and tank barriers built into hilly terrain with sightlines across the surrounding landscape.
The fortification was built between 1939 and 1940 as part of Switzerland's national defense strategy against potential invasion. It was designed to block the Reuss valley and prevent access toward the Gotthard region.
The site shows how Switzerland sought to protect itself during World War II through built defenses that remain visible today. These structures reflect the period's concerns about a potential attack and reliance on fortifications as a deterrent.
The site is accessible by public transportation to Gebenstorf, with walking paths connecting different sections of the complex. Visitors should expect uneven ground and sloped terrain, making sturdy footwear advisable.
Around 250 Polish soldiers lived on the site from 1940 to 1943, working on road construction and agricultural projects in the region. Their presence reveals how Switzerland managed labor needs during the war through international cooperation.
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