Public Tour - Fürigen Fortress

Description

Behind the rugged rock walls of the Bürgenberg near Stansstad lies the Fürigen Fortress. Built during World War II, it was part of the Reduit, the Swiss Army's defense strategy at the time. In the event of an attack, the artillery fort with its two cannons was intended to help repel a possible German advance into the Alpine region.

The fortress remained operational during the Cold War, albeit adapted to new threat scenarios. The last time men – now only disguised as soldiers – entered the tunnels was in 2009 for a Swiss television reality show. Since 1991, the fortress has been open to the public as a museum.

The current exhibition focuses on the fortress and its defense concept. It addresses the social developments of the region and shows the life and daily routine of the men who served their military duty here until the 1980s. An audiovisual tour leads through the outer tunnel to the gun emplacements and finally to the accommodation area, where eating and sleeping took place.

What occupied the fortress soldiers during their several-week stay in the mountain? What worries burdened and troubled them? What did they write to their loved ones at home? Experience a piece of Swiss history up close and explore the secret world inside the rock.

Highlights

• Guided tour through the Fürigen Fortress
• Insight into Swiss defense history
• Exhibition on the life of soldiers until the 1980s

General Information

The tour leads through the Fürigen Fortress near Stansstad, which was used during World War II and the Cold War. Visitors learn more about the defense concept and the daily life of the soldiers. The exhibition has been open to the public since 1991.

Location

Kehrsitenstrasse, 6362 Stansstad, Schweiz

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