Festungsraum Sargans, Military fortress in Sargans, Switzerland.
Festungsraum Sargans is an underground military complex in the Sargans valley where the Rhine meets key mountain passes. The system includes artillery emplacements, concrete bunkers, and interconnected defense positions built into the rock.
Construction began in 1941 as Switzerland prepared for potential wartime threats during the Second World War. It served as one of three major national defense systems to protect key transport routes into the heart of the country.
The fortress represents Swiss military engineering and defense strategy, containing 22 cannons, 10 armored turrets, and various anti-tank installations by 1945.
The fortress is open to visitors through organized tours that lead through the underground chambers and tunnels. Wear comfortable walking shoes since the passages have uneven surfaces and you will be walking in cool subterranean conditions.
The entire fortress was hidden inside the mountain to protect it from air attacks, making it nearly invisible from outside. This clever construction method made it one of the most concealed defense installations in Switzerland.
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