Furkels, Military fortress museum in St. Margrethenberg, Switzerland
Furkels is an underground military fortress carved into the mountain near Pfäfers with a vast network of tunnels, chambers, and living spaces. The installation spans multiple levels beneath the rock and contains dozens of rooms built to serve specific military purposes.
Construction began in 1939 as Switzerland prepared its defenses, and the site remained a closely guarded military secret for decades. After World War II, the fortress continued serving as a backup command center until it was opened to visitors in the early 2000s.
The museum displays Swiss military engineering through its collection of large cannons, including four 15-centimeter artillery pieces manufactured specifically for this fortress.
Access to the fortress is only by guided tour, which takes visitors through the different sections and rooms. Wear comfortable shoes as there are stairs and uneven passages throughout the visit.
Today the former military facility operates as a high-tech data center hosting sensitive digital information. Several Swiss research institutions use the secure underground spaces for cloud computing and information storage.
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