Fake houses of Switzerland

Look at the Pink House in the picture below. Looks a normal house right?

Let’s zoom in. Now what do you think? All normal right?

Let’s zoom in more. Catch anything?

Yes, the windows! Or rather the curtains. It’s painted on the windows!  Welcome to the fake houses of Switzerland.

World War II

Afraid of the Nazi invasion during World War II, the Swiss started building a line of defense called the Promenthouse Line or the Toblerone Trail (because it resembles the famous chocolate), especially after the defeat of France in 1940. Although Switzerland was a neutral country, Nazis had occupied other neutral countries like Norway, Netherlands and Belgium and there was a great chance of them capturing Bern. These Toblerones were concrete blocks erected to slow the enemy tanks. In addition, more than 100 fake houses or chalets were built across Switzerland to house Swiss Army and their weapons. The green doors which look like normal doors of a house contained cannons while the basement acted as a resting place for the troops. Even the toilets had holes to throw a grenade if required. The disguise was essential since Switzerland wanted to showcase their neutrality to Germany.

Villa Rose

As mentioned there were more than 100 such fake houses but the best preserved ones are Villa Rose and Villa Verte. Both the villas lie on the Toblerone Trail along with other fortifications. Villa Rose was opened to public in 2006 and today one can visit the house. It’s free to visit on open days which usually are first Saturdays of the month from May- Sep. For more information please visit this page.

How to reach Villa Rose

Villa Rose is located in Gland which is just 30 kms from Geneva. If you are arriving by train, Villa Rose is a 2 km walk from Gland station. On the Google maps type Fortification Villa Rose to get the exact directions. Villa Verte, a green colour fake house, is located exactly opposite in the fields.