What cities are close to Zurich that have great history around WWII?

score:1

Accepted answer

Shamelessly repeating what has already been said in the comments, I would also suggest Dachau. Another option could be NΓΌrnberg and the Nazi party rally ground. Both places are a bit far but probably doable in a day (barely).

If you want something strictly military, you could try to visit some part of the β€œligne Maginot” in France like the Ouvrage Hackenberg. It's not too far from Zurich but you will definitely need a car for that.

Note that many important events or devastating battles did not leave any landmarks or traces you could see today. The main monuments in Dresden or Darmstadt have been rebuilt in the old style, some other cities like Hannover have been completely reshaped after the destruction but there is nothing in particular that evokes WWII.

Switzerland itself did not actively participate in WWII but it did mobilize and still has impressive fortifications that were operational at the time (most of them built earlier).

Upvote:2

The fortifications on top of Pilatus would, on a fine day, combine military history with stunning scenery, and entirely doable from Zurich as a day-trip (train to Luzern, bus no 1 to Kriens and cable-car. The cog railway would take you much longer).

More post

Search Posts

Related post