Unexploded Military Ordnance Discoveries Surge in Swiss Hiking Areas

Switzerland is experiencing a significant increase in unexploded military ordnance discoveries, with the Swiss Army reporting a 26% rise compared to the long-term average. In 2024, military experts neutralized 273 dangerous devices, following more than a thousand alerts from vigilant citizens. This surge in discoveries has raised concerns about public safety in popular outdoor recreation areas.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Mine Clearance Command has been actively responding to these incidents, handling not only unexploded ordnance but also managing the disposal of old ammunition and other military remains.

The cantons of Bern, Graubünden, and Valais have emerged as particular hotspots for unexploded ordnance discoveries. This concentration is not coincidental, as these regions serve dual purposes: they are both popular hiking destinations and historical military training areas. The overlap between recreational zones and former military exercise grounds has created a unique challenge for public safety authorities.

These alpine regions, with their extensive network of hiking trails and outdoor recreation areas, have seen increased activity in recent years, leading to more frequent discoveries of historical military materials.

The Swiss Army has emphasized the critical importance of proper response procedures when encountering suspicious objects. Citizens are strongly advised against handling or moving any discovered ordnance, regardless of its apparent age or condition. The military has established a robust reporting system that has successfully processed over a thousand public tips in the past year.

Authorities stress that even decades-old ammunition can remain highly dangerous, requiring professional handling by trained explosive ordnance disposal teams. The army maintains a dedicated command structure for rapid response to such discoveries.

The increasing popularity of outdoor activities has inadvertently led to greater exposure to potential ordnance risks. Hiking, climbing, and particularly magnet fishing have been identified as activities that may result in unexpected encounters with military remnants. Magnet fishing, which involves using powerful magnets to retrieve metal objects from water bodies, has been singled out as especially dangerous due to the possibility of accidentally recovering submerged ammunition.

The army specifically warns against the growing trend of magnet fishing in lakes and rivers, emphasizing that underwater munitions can be extremely unstable and pose severe risks if disturbed.