Fortress Fürigen - from 1941 to today

Description

Behind the rugged rock walls of the Bürgenberg near Stansstad hides the Fortress Fürigen. Built during the Second World War, it was part of the Reduit, the then defense strategy of the Swiss Army. In the event of an attack, the artillery work with its two cannons was supposed to help repel a possible German advance into the Alpine region. The fortress remained in operation even during the Cold War, albeit oriented towards new threat scenarios. For the last time in 2009, men – now only disguised as soldiers – entered the tunnel for a reality show of Swiss television. The fortress has been accessible as a museum since 1991. The current exhibition focuses on the fortress and its defense concept. It addresses the social developments of the region and shows the life and everyday life of the men who performed their military service here until the 1980s. An audiovisual tour leads through the outer tunnel to the gun positions and finally to the accommodation area. Here, people ate and slept. What occupied the fortress soldiers during their several-week stay in the mountain? What worries pressed and plagued them? What did they write to their loved ones at home? Experience a piece of Swiss history up close and explore the secret world in the rock. Guided tours by appointment are possible all year round.

Highlights

• Discover the secret world of Fortress Fürigen
• Audiovisual tour through tunnels and gun positions
• Guided tours by appointment possible all year round

General Information

The Fortress Fürigen near Stansstad is a historical museum that offers insights into the life of fortress soldiers during the Second World War and the Cold War. The current exhibition addresses social developments and the everyday life of soldiers until the 1980s.

Location

Kehrsitenstrasse, 6362 Stansstad, Switzerland

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