Sperrlinie Etzel, Military museum and fortress in Schwyz, Switzerland
Sperrlinie Etzel is a network of bunker installations and fortified positions scattered across the mountainous terrain of canton Schwyz. The structures include underground shelters, gun emplacements, command centers, and observation posts linked by a web of trenches and communications.
Construction began in 1941 as Switzerland prepared defensive positions along its borders. The fortification network was completed during the 1940s and remained part of the country's military planning long after the war ended.
The site reveals how Switzerland organized its defense and what this meant for people living in the region. The bunkers and fortified positions still stand as reminders of an era when military readiness shaped local life.
The site spreads across several areas accessible on foot, with routes of varying difficulty depending on which fortifications you wish to visit. Sturdy footwear and sure footing are essential since the mountainous terrain can be steep and uneven.
Some observation posts were positioned at extreme elevations to direct fire across the valley below. These vantage points allowed the Swiss to monitor approaches and coordinate defensive actions from natural high ground.
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