Festung Albula

About the museum

When Switzerland returned to permanent defences in the mid-1930s, the Graubünden passes were fortified too. On the Albula Pass the barrier was not built on the confusing terrain of the summit but in the Cruschetta narrows about one and a half kilometres further west. Its main work, the Albula Strasse bunker, was placed directly beside the pass road in only about five months in the summer of 1938, partly driven into the permafrost. The three-storey concrete structure is about eleven metres high and was armed with two machine guns and an infantry gun, which was replaced by a 9 cm anti-tank gun from 1955. Two rock fortifications on the flanks followed in 1939 and 1940; set further back, another barrier at the Bergünerstein secured the route into the Albula valley.

During the Second World War the bunker was at least partly manned even in winter. In the Cold War the installation remained equipped and was looked after by the Fortress Guard Corps. Because the conspicuous block at the roadside attracted more and more attention, it was given an elaborate camouflage of real and imitation boulders in the 1950s. As it was too poorly protected against air attacks, it was abandoned in the 1980s.

The army later sold the works on the Albula Pass and at the Bergünerstein to the Verein Militärhistorische Anlagen Albulatal. The association had the camouflage, roof and interior restored from 2015 to 2017 and re-equipped the bunker true to the original. Since then it has offered guided tours in summer, with the proceeds going towards maintenance.

Highlights

• Three-storey Albula Strasse bunker of 1938, re-equipped true to the original
• Rock-pile camouflage of real and imitation boulders with camouflaged embrasure doors
• Flanking rock fortification Albula links (climb of about 15 minutes, depending on conditions)
• Presentation of further Graubünden barriers in the pass accommodation
• Film “SOS Albula” for children, young people and the young at heart

Permanent exhibitions

• Bunker Albula Strasse – The re-equipped main work of the barrier with weapon positions on three floors, connected by ladders.
• Felsenwerk Albula links – Flanking work built into the rock with machine gun positions, part of the tour when conditions allow.
• Sperren in Graubünden – Presentation of further Graubünden barrier positions and of the permafrost around the bunker in the pass accommodation, plus the film “SOS Albula”.

Operated by

Verein Militärhistorische Anlagen Albulatal

Admission & discounts

The tour fee goes towards the upkeep of the bunker. From Preda or La Punt stations a taxi can be arranged on advance booking (with a contribution to costs).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

The three floors of the bunker are connected only by ladders, and the climb to the rock fortification follows a narrow path with about 60 metres of ascent; information on wheelchair accessibility is not available.

Kids & families

Children aged 6 to 16 pay half price; the programme includes the film “SOS Albula”, which is expressly aimed at children and young people as well. Inside the bunker you move between floors on ladders.

Getting there & parking

On the west side of the Albula Pass, about 1.5 km before the summit, directly beside the pass road.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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