Today I went for my very first sled ride and took the train from Zürich bis Unterterzen. It was really nice. This is not, however, why I am here today. The thing is that between the stations Siebnen-W and Ziegelbrücke, more presicely here exactly, I saw some concrete things arranged in the ground that looked very much like an anti-tank barrier. I was wondering why is there an anti-tank barrier in the heart of CH? I could not take a nice picture of'em, but they are visible from Google Street View:

https://preview.redd.it/mv6r7b4lt6fe1.png?width=2110&format=png&auto=webp&s=77bb9af643325579bf19a7cc88407193870611f0

Some weeks ago, not far from that area, I remember seeing another of these structures arranged perpendicular to the train railway, but now I cannot find it in maps.

Have a nice rest of the weekend, random humans!

by 001011110101000101

11 comments

  1. Part of the WW2 Reduit fortifications, blocking the access points to inner Switzerland.

  3. Those are tank traps. You can see the picture of this spot in the article below.

    [https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-politics/military-history_tank-barriers-as-art-objects/42298454](https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-politics/military-history_tank-barriers-as-art-objects/42298454)

    These are often seen along the border in the forests of the Jura, but they are also still in places in the middle of Switzerland. The intent is to funnel enemy armor into specific routes where they can be attacked with anti-tank emplacements.

  5. Yes, there are plenty of old fortifications around.

    What is confusing about them exactly?

  6. Others have mentioned the Reduit fortifications in general. They are in fact older than WWII but were used then. You give up the lowlands and defend the mountains, which are much easier to defend due to the difficulty of using armoured formations and aircraft. Fortifications were built where it’s easy to shut down main roads, blocking movement into the mountains. It’s always a system of trank traps, bunkers, gun positions and natural obstacles. This tank trap is part of the chokepoint: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sperrstelle_Linthebene You can easily see how you can block movement between the lake and the mountains to the south.

    There is another one at the next chokepoint round the corner in Glarus Nord / Näfels / Mollis. The eastern route along Walensee is obviously very easy to block. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sperrstelle_N%C3%A4fels I’ve done service in this one.

  7. Layered defense. You’ll find plenty far away from the border

  8. you must be new here..

    spoiler alert:

    Switzerland has hundreds, if not thousands, bunkers, fortifications, anti-tank barriers etc. spread around the country and close to strategic points and crossings. Ah up to 10-12 years ago there were even explosives placed in the demolition chambers of some border crossings/bridges, no only the wiring is there and the chambers can be loaded again if an invasion is imminent.

  9. Never trust the Germans, so you better leave them in place …

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