Festung Crestawald, Military fortress museum in Sufers, Switzerland
Festung Crestawald is an artillery fortress in the mountains with underground tunnels, weapon emplacements, and exhibition spaces displaying 20th century military equipment. The site preserves original buildings and infrastructure that give visitors insight into the defensive military structure of this mountain region.
Construction began in September 1939, and artillery guns were operational by 1940 to protect the north-south transit route through Switzerland. This rapid completion was part of the country's defensive strategy during the early years of World War II.
The museum displays exhibitions about wartime events and presents wreckage from a crashed US bomber with period documents and photographs from the region. These exhibits tell the story of how this mountain area experienced military conflict and civilian life during wartime.
Access involves mountain paths leading to different parts of the fortress, so sturdy shoes and some physical fitness are needed. Guided tours or audio guides are helpful for understanding the site fully, as they explain the underground spaces and their original functions.
A seminar room features interactive information stations detailing the numerous fortresses across the Hinterrhein region, showing how widespread such defensive structures were. This allows visitors to understand the fortress within the context of a larger defensive network.
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