Meander

Everybody knows that Switzerland is famous for its cheese. The country produces 200’000t and 700 different types of cheese a year. What you may not have known is that the Swiss Alps themselves are a little bit like the holey Emmental cheese.

Switzerland developed a national defensive military strategy called the 'Réduit' to protect itself during World War II. If the axis powers were to attack, the Swiss military planned to withdraw into an intricate network of bunkers that was built throughout much of the central Alps - the core being right here in the Gotthard Massif. Focussing resources on protecting the Alps had various advantages: they presented as a natural fortress, were harsh to navigate for foreign forces lacking local knowledge and main thoroughfares were limited and easy to guard.

Thankfully the concept was never put to the test and after the Cold war the bunkers were gradually decommissioned. Nevertheless, small hints at a big history are still sprinkled throughout the Alps - you just need to know what you are looking for.