Toblerone line

Coordinates: 46°24′7.8″N 6°16′48.6″E / 46.402167°N 6.280167°E / 46.402167; 6.280167

Concrete blocks close to the Lake of Geneva in Gland.
Fortress "Villa Rose"
Maxim Machine Gun Model 11 in the "Villa Rose"

The Toblerone line is a 10-km long defensive line made of dragon's teeth that was built during the second World War between Bassins and Prangins, in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. These lines of defensive blocks can be found all over Switzerland, but more predominantly in border areas. Their purpose was to stop tank invasions. The 2,700 9-ton concrete blocks that make up the defences are similar to the shape of the chocolate bar "Toblerone", which gave its name to the line. Since the line has been left to nature since its construction, it was decided to keep these concrete blocks and to make a hiking trail along their route.[1]

The line was built along twelve fortresses, the most well known being the "Villa Rose" in Gland, which was transformed into a museum and opened to the public in 2006.[2]

See also

References

  1. Muehlemann, Anetka (9 June 2008). "Ligne fortifiée, un témoin du passé à valoriser" (in French). 24 Heures, Edipresse, Switzerland. Retrieved 2009-08-09.
  2. Bradley, Simon (September 13, 2006). "Villa Rose opens doors to toblerone ramblers". Swissinfo. Retrieved 2009-08-09.

External links


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