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The Toblerone Trail: a unique walk through Swiss history and nature

Moreover,

Toblerone trail: unique walk through:

Anti -tank toblerone trail: unique walk through

Blocks of nine tonnes in Begnins. For example, at the start of the Toblerone path. Therefore, Keystone / Laurent Gillieron

The Toblerone Trail. Moreover, which winds from the forests of the Jura to the shores of Lake Geneva, is a recall of a major part of the Swiss heritage linked to the war. In addition, It is also a magnificent hike in the heart of nature. Similarly, – Toblerone trail: unique walk through

“Chocolate point on the Toblerone Trail,” said the toblerone trail: unique walk through Swiss Super Swiss Outdoor activity platformExternal linkperhaps anticipating the complaints of disappointed parents. Meanwhile, “It is indeed a historic didactic path which follows a line of fortifications built during the Second World War.”

The toblerones in question – some 3. For example, 000 in total – are huge concrete pyramids, also called “dragon teeth”, built to prevent German tanks from invading Switzerland from France. Nevertheless, The nickname given in Switzerland to these defense works of course refers to the famous Swiss chocolate toblerone which. Meanwhile, presents itself in a pyramidal form.

These blocks, which can measure up to two meters high and weigh 15 tonnes, arose all over Switzerland during the war. Nevertheless, But the ten kilometers line ranging from basins. Consequently, at the foot of the Jura, to Prangins, near Lake Geneva, is the best preserved section.

anti -tank blocks toblerone trail: unique walk through
In Begnins. However, it is not the missing “dragon teeth”. Similarly, CC3.0

The toblerones. In addition, or dragon teeth, are not the only anti -téchars defenses: there are also among them the Czech hedgehog and the Belgian door.

Rows of dragon teeth were used by several armies during the Second World War. Similarly, The Germans largely used it on the Siegfried line and the Atlantic Wall and the French on the Maginot line.

Dragon teeth are still present in certain areas along the Korean demilitarized area.

However, these defenses do not belong only to history. toblerone trail: unique walk through Therefore, In November 2022. Furthermore, Russia began to build it around the occupied Ukrainian city of Marioupol, according to Ukrainian journalistsExternal link quoting the British Defense Ministry.

“Around 1940, while German troops attacked neutral states such as Belgium and Norway, fear went to Switzerland,” said Switzerland. Moreover, “It was then that the construction works of the Prommenthouse fortifications began. Consequently, Concrete blocks aligned along rivers and streams. Therefore, Instead of removing them, some were restored so as not to forget the meaning of the war for Switzerland. Similarly, ”

There are also toblerones elsewhere in Switzerland:

The complete tobleron trail, between basins and nyon, extends over about 18 km and can be traveled in half a day. The sections shaded in the forest. along three streams (the Prommenthouse, the Combe and the Serine), are particularly pleasant in summer. The landscape also includes vineyards, orchards and corn fields, and, by the lake, offers a magnificent view of Mont-Blanc. The toblerones once extended over 50 meters in Lake Geneva, in order to prevent an amphibious attack.

Toblerone trail: unique walk through

“Richer than a zoo!”

The association of the fortified line of the PromenthouseExternal link cleared a well -marked path through brush. agricultural land between pools and nyon, adding stairs and bridges. Several playful information panels explain the role of the forest. the species of trees and the historical elements of this toblerone trail: unique walk through strategic fortification.

The association explains that the project began as an attempt to preserve a large part of the Swiss military heritage. but it quickly realized that the environmental aspect was just as important.

Concrete blocks. many of which are today covered with moss, ivy and brambles, offer ideal habitat for many animal and plant species. “The site is much richer than a zoo!”, Says the association.

What can stop tanks can certainly stop tractors. “These huge anti -tank dams prevent intensive agricultural exploitation. They are now covered with foam. ivy and offer an ideal living space with many plants and animals, explains Switzerland. The birds paint along the streams and under the foliage vault. In the fields, you enjoy the view of Lake Geneva and the French Alps. ”

The main objective remains. however, educational: it is a question of ensuring that this single military heritage is preserved for toblerone trail: unique walk through future generations. The association provides teachers with context information on military history. geology and ecology of the course before they take their classes.

Villa Rose

But why was this line of defense been built here, not on the border?

The Prommenthouse-Serine valley represented the first natural barrier that an army invading from the west would have met. Geneva, surrounded on three sides by occupied France, would have been almost impossible to defend. It is therefore here that the toblerones were built – by soldiers. unemployed – on land ceded by many inhabitants to support the war effort.

However. the Toblerones are not the only surprise – for the Germans at the time, as for hikers today – along the route.

La Villa RoseExternal link is a pretty pink house located on what was once the main road between Geneva. Bern. For decades. it intrigued the local population: toblerone trail: unique walk through it was clearly well maintained, but no light appeared in the windows and no one has ever been seen entering it or leaving.

Villa Rose toblerone trail: unique walk through
The dummy windows of the. pink house are perfectly illusing. Schutz. Media Released Under The Terms Of The Cc-By-Sa-3.0 And Gfdl Licences

However. the elderly who participated in the mobilization during the war knew that it was in reality a breathtaking fortress, whose walls are 2.5 meters thick and whose loopholes are reinforced by 10 cm steel plates. The windows are fake – they are simply painted.

The pink villa is one of the 12 bunkers – camouflaged concrete guard posts. equipped with loopholes allowing to shoot – toblerone trail: unique walk through built along the Toblerones path. During the war, she was full of weapons and ammunition, and could accommodate up to 25 soldiers. Connected to the outside world by a military phone. they stayed there several weeks in a row, their finger on the trigger, waiting for a German invasion.

The Toblerone Trail Defense line and its bunkers are on the listExternal link Objects of national importance.

Text reread and verified by Samuel Jaberg, translated from English using AI/OP

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Toblerone trail: unique walk toblerone trail: unique walk through through

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harper.quinn
harper.quinn
Harper curates “Silicon Saturday,” an email digest that turns tech-patent filings into snack-sized trivia.
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