Festungsmuseum Crestawald

About the museum

The Crestawald artillery fortification came about in connection with the plan to secure the Graubünden Alpine passes with permanent defence installations. From 1936 a group of officers first concentrated on the Splügen axis, the shortest connection between Germany and Italy. East of Sufers they found a bottleneck where, alongside several infantry fortifications, an artillery fortification with two 10.5 cm cannons was built. Construction began in September 1939; the guns were ready for combat in November 1940, and in June 1941 the fortification was handed over to the troops. Because of absolute secrecy there was no official inauguration; the two cannons were given the internal names Lucrezia and Silvia.

Until the end of the war a crew of about 95 men lived and worked in very confined quarters in three-shift operation. The fortress was built as an autonomous installation with its own water supply and power generation; the diesel engines caused problems for a long time. For about 60 years the facility remained secret.

In 2000 the Militärhistorische Stiftung Graubünden and the newly founded Verein Festungsmuseum Crestawald took over the installation, which was still partly equipped. It was secured, an ammunition magazine was turned into an exhibition room, and in June 2001 the fortress museum opened. Visitors can explore the gun emplacements, machine gun positions, observation post, fire control centre, accommodation and kitchen for themselves; operation is largely carried by volunteers.

Highlights

• Originally preserved artillery fortification with the gun emplacements Lucrezia and Silvia
• Tour through the engine room, accommodation, fire control centre and observation post
• Exhibition in the former ammunition magazine and interactive information station
• Audio guide in five languages
• Fortress canteen with drinks and small meals on opening days

Permanent exhibitions

• Rundgang durch das Artilleriewerk – Entrance and guardroom, engine room, accommodation, workshop, fire control centre, machine gun and gun emplacements (Lucrezia, Silvia) and observation post.
• Ausstellung im Munitionsmagazin – The emptied ammunition room serves as an exhibition room on the history of the fortress.
• Interaktive Infostation – In the presentation room, information can be called up on the Graubünden fortresses as well as on the cultural and pass history of the Hinterrhein region.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Verein Festungsmuseum Crestawald

Admission & discounts

Association members (annual fee CHF 50) have free admission during regular opening hours.

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

According to the museum, even older visitors who are no longer steady on their feet can, with a few exceptions, see the entire fortress; information on wheelchair accessibility is not available.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A13: from the south take the Sufers exit and follow the cantonal road towards Andeer; from the north take the Avers exit and drive through the Roflaschlucht gorge towards Sufers.

Amenities & dining

In the former fortress canteen, drinks and small meals are available on the official opening days; there is also a kiosk in front of the fortress. For groups of 15 or more, aperitifs and menus from the fortress kitchen are offered.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The presentation and seminar room with projection equipment is available for association, corporate and family events.

Plan your visit