Festung Furggels
One of the largest artillery fortresses in Switzerland, set in the rock of St. Margrethenberg, which can only be visited on booked guided tours.
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About the museum
The Festung Furggels was built from November 1939 on the St. Margrethenberg above Pfäfers as a heavy artillery fortification. It belonged to the Sargans fortress area and was a component of the Reduit, with which Switzerland planned to defend itself in the Second World War and the Cold War. By 1940 the first gun turrets were ready for action, more followed by 1942, and between 1945 and 1947 four 15 cm bunker cannons were installed. This made the fortification one of the largest and most powerful in the country.
Inside there are two levels, separated by 25 metres of rock and connected by a freight lift, stairs and an inclined tunnel. More than ten kilometres of tunnels and connecting passages, over 500 beds, a large kitchen, bakery, canteens, hospital, workshops, telephone exchange and water reservoirs holding around 1.8 million litres made the fortification largely self-sufficient; about 420 soldiers were needed for operation. Until the 1990s the facility was repeatedly modernised, including with pressure doors, gas locks and NBC filter systems.
In 1998 the fortress was declassified as part of the army reform, and in 2002 the secrecy ended. From 2010 to 2018 it was open to the public. Since 2019 it has belonged to a private owner and can now be visited on guided tours; selected rooms in the mountain are also rented out.
Highlights
- Over 10 km of tunnels and connecting passages on two levels in the rock
- Gun positions with armoured turret cannons and 15 cm bunker cannons
- Command areas, large kitchen, bakery, hospital and telephone exchange
- Water reservoirs with a capacity of over 1.8 million litres
- Guided tour of approx. 90 minutes in German or English
- Operated by
- Festung Furggels GmbH
Admission & discounts
| Groups (20+ people) | –For 20 or more people, group rates are available on request; maximum 35 people. |
|---|---|
| Guided tour flat rate (up to 10 people, approx. 90 min.) | CHF 500Each additional person CHF 50. |
There is no individual admission; a visit is only possible with a booked guided tour.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- 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 facility is not accessible: long walking distances, stairs and narrow tunnels.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking near the entrance as well as more above the fortress.
Amenities & dining
- Restaurant: not available
The Restaurant Älpli at the entrance is currently closed.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Rooms from 15 to 320 m² inside the mountain for storage, technical and special uses (e.g. food or wine storage, data rooms); price on request, viewing by arrangement.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours in German or English, meeting point at the entrance to the fortress. Inside, the temperature is a constant approx. 10 °C; sturdy shoes and warm clothing are recommended. The facility is partly dark and involves longer walking distances. |
