The Villa Rose in Gland is one of the most unusual military museums in Switzerland. At first glance, the pink building looks like an ordinary residential house by the roadside. In reality, however, it conceals a completely camouflaged fortress bunker from the Second World War. The installation was built in 1940 as part of the famous Toblerone defence line, which was intended to protect Switzerland from a possible attack from the west.
Particularly fascinating are the deceptively realistic shutters, the painted-on windows and the seemingly harmless house façade. Behind the thick concrete walls were heavy anti-tank guns, machine guns and quarters for the soldiers. Many of the original weapons, fittings and pieces of equipment have been preserved to this day and can be viewed on guided tours.
The famous Sentier des Toblerones also begins right next to the villa. This hiking trail runs along the historic anti-tank obstacles, whose shape recalls the well-known Toblerone chocolate bars. The combination of fascinating military history, hidden architecture and a beautiful hike makes the Villa Rose a unique excursion destination in western Switzerland.
Highlights:
Bunker disguised as a residential house
Original weapons and fittings from 1940
Part of the historic Toblerone line
Painted-on windows and hidden embrasures
Directly on the well-known Sentier des Toblerones
One of the best-preserved fortifications in Switzerland
Fascinating guided tours offering insights into Swiss military history