Alte Schanze II

Amidst the gentle slopes of Stammersdorf, Vienna, lies Alte Schanze II. It’s a silent sentinel whispering tales of a bygone era. Alte Schanze II, along with thirty other fortifications, formed a defensive line against Prussian troops during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. These “Schanzen,” as they are called, were hastily constructed. The earth was carved, trenches dug, and ramparts raised. Imagine the scene: women, children, and the elderly toiling alongside soldiers, driven by the urgency of impending war. Alte Schanze II held a strategic position in this defense. It guarded Vienna’s northeastern flank. This network of Schanzen stretched from Langenzersdorf, across Bisamberg, and down to the Lobau. The defenders prepared 260 cannons and 5,000 soldiers. But the guns of Alte Schanze II remained silent. A truce was declared before the Prussian troops reached the Russbach, halting the advance. The Schanzen were resurrected during World War I. They were meant to defend against Russian forces as part of the “Wiener Brückenkopf.” A munitions building was even constructed on Schanze X, its ruins still visible. Again, they were spared from battle. The Schanzen wouldn’t escape conflict forever. In World War II, some were converted into anti-aircraft gun emplacements. Near Alte Schanze II, in the Herrenholz woods, an aircraft engine repair shop buzzed with activity. The front line reached Stammersdorf in the war’s final weeks. This time, Alte Schanze II witnessed combat between German troops and the advancing Red Army. Today, Alte Schanze II stands as a testament to Vienna’s turbulent past. It’s a peaceful sanctuary. The scars of war have transformed into havens for rare and endangered species. Over 360 plant species thrive here, including several on the brink of extinction. The Schanzen boast a remarkable diversity of butterflies, bees, and other insects. Now a protected nature reserve, Alte Schanze II invites us to reflect on the echoes of history.