Sperrstelle Villigen, Military fortification museum in Villigen, Switzerland
Sperrstelle Villigen is a military museum with an extensive fortification system stretching from Geissberg's western slope to the Aare riverbank, encompassing around 33 different installations and structures. The fortifications consist of bunkers, artillery positions, underground passages, and troop shelters that visitors can explore to understand the defensive architecture.
The fortifications were constructed between 1939 and 1940 under orders from the 5th Division to protect the northern defense line in the Aare Valley. They show Switzerland's military response to the European tensions of that era.
The site shows how Switzerland prepared for wartime threats and what role military structures played in the region's daily life. The surviving installations tell the story of a nation's concerns and plans to protect its borders.
Most bunkers and installations are accessible, but sturdy footwear is recommended as the terrain is uneven. Plan several hours to explore all structures, and guided tours help visitors understand the technical details and layout of the site.
The site contains three distinct defensive concentrations featuring covered and uncovered artillery positions on Geissberg ridge and a battalion strongpoint with multiple troop shelters. This layout demonstrates a deliberate strategy of layered defense in depth.
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