Dobbiaco barrier
Historical background and composition
The Dobbiaco barrier, located east of the town by the same name in the Puster Valley, was built between 1939 and 1942 and was part of the Alpine Wall. Between 1951 and 1952, eight of the twelve original works were reactivated owing to defence requirements against the troops of the Warsaw Pact. They underwent some structural changes: for example, their anti-tank defence capacity was enhanced, and their by then ineffective armament was replaced. At the end of the reactivation process, this is how they were organised:
- work 1 (open to visitors): one P position (for anti-tank unit) and two M positions (for machine gun). In addition to these positions, a P position in tank hull in a tank (which was rare in Alpine works) was built during the reactivation phase. This position consisted of an entire M4 “Sherman” tank, whose engine had been removed but was equipped with full armament, located inside a tank made of concrete;
- work 2: consisting of two P positions and one M position;
- work 3: consisting of three P positions in reduced tank hull built and integrated into the previous structure during the reactivation phase (this type of emplacement was developed by reducing, through necessary cuts, the central part of the hull of an M4 “Sherman” tank), an M position with fixed firing range and three M positions on metal turret with four slits;
- work 5: consisting of one P position and five M positions;
- work 6: consisting of four M positions;
- work 8: consisting of one P position and three M positions;
- work 11 a: consisting of one P position and one M position;
- work 12 b: consisting of two M positions.
Purpose
The purpose of the barrier was to block State Road 49 “della Pusteria”, based on the Drava – Rienza penetration line.
DIRECTIONS
The barrier is located east of the municipality of Dobbiaco (BZ). The structure is open to visitors and can be reached by car by travelling along State Road 49 “della Pusteria”. After 60 kilometres, a road (with a sign) that leads to the Bunker Museum will be visible on the left coming from Dobbiaco or on the right coming from San Candido. Parking is available right next to the bunker (about 20 metres away).
The structure can also be reached by bus by taking the SAD 446 San Candido-Dobbiaco line, and getting off at the “Baumanhof” stop.
Cyclists and pedestrians can take the cycle path between San Candido and Dobbiaco and State Road 49 up until the “Baumanhof” bus stop.
OPENINGS TO THE PUBLIC
The structure is open to the public nearly every day in summer, from mid-June to late September. Special visits for groups and classes can also be organised, by contacting those in charge of the activity in advance. We nevertheless recommend going to the “Bunkermuseum” website to find information that is up to date.
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