Our students from The Basel School recently took part in an eye-opening visit to SASSO San Gottardo as part of the Tour de Suisse program. This trip gave them a rare opportunity to explore one of Switzerland’s most strategic historical landmarks. SASSO is a sprawling military fortress dug deep into the mountains of Gotthard, designed to safeguard one of Switzerland’s most crucial entry points during World War II. The fortress stretches across 20 kilometers of tunnels, some of which reach as deep as 200 meters inside the mountain. Its defensive capabilities included massive artillery, with cannons that could reach Italy, protecting the Gotthard tunnel from potential threats.
During the tour, students navigated through dimly lit passageways, learning about Switzerland’s military strategy during the 20th century. Photos taken show not just the tunnels and cannons but a map detailing the fortress’s extensive network, a reminder of how vital this site was to the country’s defense. One of our students posed with cans of preserved food—SASSO held enough provisions to feed all of Switzerland for three days. It was sobering to imagine what life might have been like for those stationed here, defending the country from the possibility of war on our soil.
For our business students, this visit wasn’t just about military history—it was about understanding the broader importance of preparation, strategy, and resilience. SASSO is a perfect example of the foresight and logistical planning that went into safeguarding the country during uncertain times. These same principles—anticipating risks, creating contingency plans, and protecting vital infrastructure—are essential for business leaders today. By experiencing this firsthand, our students gained a deeper appreciation of Switzerland’s ability to remain neutral yet thoroughly prepared, something that resonates beyond just military history and extends into the world of strategic business planning.
As part of The Basel School’s Practical Experiential Learning model, we believe it’s critical that our students see how lessons from history can shape the future. Visiting places like SASSO helps them connect the dots between defense strategies and business strategies, where calculated risk management and resource allocation can be the difference between success and failure. These are lessons that our students will carry with them, no matter where their business careers take them.
To learn more about SASSO San Gottardo visit https://www.sasso-sangottardo.ch/
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