Walserschanz

Schanzgraben, Erdwälle and a Watchtower served from 1632 to defend against Sweden and the French. In 1823, the watchtower was demolished. From 1786 to 1891, a customs station was set up here and with the construction of the first restaurant (1798) more life came in. Founded in 1833, the “German Customs Union” brought only disadvantages for the Walser population. In the “Gasthof Walserschanz” the only post office for the Kleinwalsertal was set up from 1862 to 1886. After years of prosperity, the problem of the customs connection with Germany became new again from 1878 onwards. After tough negotiations, the Customs Union Treaty came into force in 1891 and was the essential basis of the economic boom of the enclave Kleinwalsertal in the 20th century. In 1936, the old “Gasthof Walserschanz” gave way to a stately new building. In 1956, as part of the road development to Riezlern the border bridge over the Schanzbach was rebuilt.