Fortress Vitznau

Take part in a guided tour through endless tunnels, combat positions and supply wings, and even a small hospital hidden deep in the mountain.

Public tour

Militia soldiers from the Swiss army, some active and some retired, will let you in on the secret of the Vitznau fortress. Around 500 metres of tunnels, gigantic ammunition stores, cannon positions, a power station, workshops, operating theatre, a small "hotel" and much more await you.

• Guided tour approx. 1 1/2 hours
• Guided tour with special exhibition on historical background approx. 2 hours
• Temperature 12°C all year round (catering and accommodation wing are heated) Loaned jackets are provided free of charge
• Kiosk with a large selection of military articles and souvenirs
• Open 365 days a year by prior arrangement!

Individuals
May to October: every Friday at 5.00 pm
November to April: first Saturday of the month at 2.00 pm

Groups
Any time by appointment

Fortress experience

Sleep in the historic soldiers' beds or enjoy a hearty military meal deep in the mountain, combined with crossbow shooting. Vitznau Fortress offers various package deals.

History

The existence of the artillery fortress in Vitznau was a well-kept secret for decades. The fathers who went about their work in the rock high above Vitznau were sworn to secrecy, even towards their wives and children. Built during the Second World War, the fortress was used to block the Lucerne-Stans axis and protect the Buochs/Ennetbürgen airfield. In 1943, two cannons worth 150,000 francs each were available to the 337 men in the mountain for defence purposes. The fortress has been open to the public since 1998.