Festungsmuseum Reuenthal

About the museum

The Reuenthal artillery fortress was built from 1937 to 1939 on a height above the Rhine, opposite the German city of Waldshut. It was the first artillery fortress on the Swiss North Front to be operational before World War II began. A tunnel system approximately 600 meters long connects the two gun emplacements with fortress entrance, ammunition magazine, medical section, command rooms, telephone exchange, kitchen, and troop quarters; later an escape tunnel and reinforced observation posts were added.

The fortress was occupied almost continuously during the war. Its two 7.5-cm cannons were intended to prevent crossing of the Rhine below the Albbruck-Dogern dam, where water levels are low in summer. Initially designed for 90 men, by 1944 the required garrison increased to 150. It belonged to the deployment area of Border Brigade 5 and was part of the Reuenthal-Full position, considered a military-historical monument of national importance.

In 1988, the fortress was decommissioned following startup of the Leibstadt nuclear power plant, and its classification as secret was lifted. As early as 1989, it opened as a fortress museum, operated by an association founded for this purpose, which later also established the Swiss Military Museum in nearby Full.

Today the complex displays the originally equipped fortress including medical section, command rooms, kitchen, and quarters, as well as an exhibition on the armament and equipment of the Swiss Army and foreign armed forces from both world wars.

Highlights

• Originally equipped artillery fortress from 1937 to 1939
• Approximately 600-meter-long tunnel system with gun emplacements
• Medical section, command rooms, kitchen, and quarters
• Weapons and equipment from both world wars
• Location above the Rhine opposite Waldshut

Permanent exhibitions

• Artilleriewerk Reuenthal – The completely equipped fortress of 1939 with gun emplacements, medical section, command rooms, kitchen, and quarters can be visited.
• Bewaffnung und Ausrüstung der Armeen – Several rooms display weapons and equipment of the Swiss Army and foreign armed forces from World War I and II, including rare pieces.

Founded

1989

Operated by

Verein Militär- und Festungsmuseum Full-Reuenthal

Admission & discounts

Conflicting information exists regarding the adult price; inquire about current prices at the museum. Combination with the Swiss Military Museum Full is only possible on Saturdays.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

According to museums.ch, the museum offers at least one program for families or children; details available from the museum.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is located in the village of Reuenthal on the 'Strick,' a height above the Rhine between Koblenz and Leibstadt, opposite Waldshut. According to museums.ch, the museum is easily accessible by public transport.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

According to museums.ch, there is a restaurant and a shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit