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Festung Naters

The Festung Naters in Naters, Switzerland, is a former artillery fortress built in 1939/1940 that protected the strategically important Simplon Pass and Simplon railway tunnel. Today it houses the Gardemuseum (Swiss Guard Museum), which opened in November 2006 in the former ammunition halls. The museum presents the history of the Pontifical Swiss Guard through a permanent exhibition and a 'treasure chamber' with personal objects donated by guards and their families. The fortress, which could house up to 200 men, is like a small underground village and also hosts changing temporary exhibitions.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: No
  • Price range: $$
  • Topic: History
    • Guided tours: Yes

Opening hours

Open every Saturday from 14:00 to 17:00 from June to October; from November to May only for groups of 10 or more, and outside opening hours for groups of 10 or more on request.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
14:00-17:00 (June to October)
Sunday
Closed

Admission fees

15 CHF
Adult admission
8 CHF
Children (6 to 18 years)
30 CHF
Family
12 CHF
With Gästekarte Regio or Gästekarte Oberwallis
24 CHF
Family with Gästekarte Regio or Gästekarte Oberwallis
10 CHF
Groups of 10 or more including guided tour
5 CHF
Children (6 to 18 years) for group guided tour
5 CHF
Persons in military uniform

Contact

Webpage
zentrumgarde.ch
Email
info@zentrumgarde.ch
Address
3904 Naters

Access

Nearby stops

  • Naters, Aletsch Campus1000 meters walking distance
  • Brig1100 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Brig
0m
Sion
29m
Thun
45m
Martigny
50m
Bern
1h 6m

FAQ

  • How do I reach the museum on foot?
    The museum is about a 20-minute walk from the Intercity railway station in Brig, with a steep section at the end. Parking is available about 1 minute below the fortress, and there is a disabled parking space directly in front of the fortress entrance.
  • Can I visit the museum with a group outside the regular opening hours?
    Yes, outside the regular opening hours the museum can be visited by groups of 10 or more people on request. Guided tours are led by former Swiss Guards.
  • Is there a special offer for young people under 21?
    Yes, free admission is available with the '20 Jahre 100 Franken Wallis' subscription, which grants free access to numerous theatres, concert halls and exhibitions in the Valais for people under 21.
  • Can I combine a visit with an aperitif or snack?
    Yes, on request a visit can be combined with an aperitif, snack or a tour of the fortress. Groups can also book a half-hour ride on the Treno Dotto through Brig and Naters directly to the museum entrance.