Simplonfestung Naters

About the museum

The Naters artillery fortress lies on the northern side of the Rhône valley above Naters and was meant to protect the transport routes around Brig: the Simplon road, the main road into the Goms, and the Lötschberg and Simplon railways. Construction began in 1939, the first troops moved into parts of the complex the following year, and in 1942 the first artillery shot was fired. By 1943 all tunnels, caverns and rooms had been excavated; the fortress was then continually modernised, and the last expansion followed in 1970. The last shot was fired in 1992, and the last regular refresher course took place in 1994.

The complex was strictly secret for about 60 years. In 2002 the secrecy was lifted, and in 2005 the federal government sold it to the host municipality of Naters. In 2008 the association "Freunde der Festung Naters" (Friends of the Naters Fortress) was founded, which is building up the museum; the first part opened in 2010. Further parts are being developed step by step.

The fortress has about one kilometre of tunnels on 4,000 square metres, two 10.5-centimetre cannons, four 7.5-centimetre cannons, telephone exchanges, emergency diesel generators, quarters for 200 men, two large water reservoirs and an officers' mess with a mural. In the same mountain, the Museum of the Papal Swiss Guard and the Swiss Crystal Collectors' Museum show their own collections; a "Kulturfels" (culture rock) is used for concerts and events.

Highlights

• About one kilometre of tunnels with gun emplacements, quarters, kitchen and officers' mess with a mural
• Cannons of 10.5 and 7.5 centimetre calibre as well as anti-tank and machine-gun positions
• Vault of the Swiss National Bank, mortuary and medical room furnished as in the Second World War
• Eyewitness project "L'histoire c'est moi" with over 550 testimonies
• Two further museums in the same mountain: Papal Swiss Guard and Swiss Crystal Collectors

Permanent exhibitions

• Museum der Simplonfestung Naters – The tour through the tunnels shows the army positions at the outbreak of war, the retreat into the Reduit and the fortress's former armament.
• Die Nationalbank – During the Second World War the Swiss National Bank kept a secret room here with cash for emergencies in Upper Valais; you can see how the money was stored.
• Der Festungswächter – The exhibition traces the history of the Brig Fortress Guard Corps from 1973 to 2014, with stories told at telephone stations and a 3D relief of the Simplon region.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Freunde der Festung Naters (Verein)

Admission & discounts

The single price of CHF 10 applies per person and museum; on Saturdays the fortress, Guard museum and Crystal Collectors' museum can be visited together freely (three-museum ticket CHF 15).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Parking directly in front of the fortress is only permitted for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Children aged 6 to 18 pay reduced admission; for families there is a family ticket for the three museums.

Getting there & parking

Satnav address: Felsenweg 100, 3904 Naters. A hiking trail leads from the old village of Naters through the rocks to the fortress entrance.

Amenities & dining

On order, aperitif and simple meals for groups (for example cheese fondue, raclette or Spatz from the mess tin) in the fortress rooms.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 120 guests.

The Kulturfels seats about 120 people for concerts, meetings and film screenings, and about 80 for parties and meals; the soldiers' lounge offers around 40 seats. Rental prices on request. Overnight stays in the "Red Reduit" in original beds are also possible.

Plan your visit