A group of about 25 men dressed in World War II-era Wehrmacht uniforms, complete with Nazi insignia and swastika armbands, caused a public uproar after marching openly in the Bernese Alps in southwestern Switzerland, Ynet learned Friday. Local police detained the group briefly but no arrests were made.
According to Swiss public broadcaster SRF, the group consisted of participants from various European countries and the United States. They marched along a popular hiking trail wearing uniforms associated with Adolf Hitler’s army. Some wore historical military caps, while others donned shirts bearing Nazi symbols.
Swiss police stopped the group and ordered them to remove any clothing displaying Nazi insignia to prevent potential confrontations with passersby. Authorities recorded the participants’ personal details but made no arrests and declined to disclose their names or countries of origin.
The incident, while shocking to the public, did not violate Swiss law, highlighting a legal discrepancy with neighboring countries like Germany, France, Italy and Austria, where public displays of Nazi symbols are strictly prohibited.
Switzerland, by contrast, permits such displays unless there is clear evidence of propaganda intent. Critics argue this leniency has made the country a “quiet haven” for far-right gatherings.
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The group, identifying as a historical reenactment society active since 2009, claimed their actions were apolitical and aimed at “authentic historical reenactment.” However, little official documentation of their activities exists. One hiker who witnessed the event said, “The spectacle shocked me and I didn’t even dare take photos.”
Police spokesperson Deborah Zaugg confirmed that the group included around 25 individuals from European nations and the United States. She noted that officers instructed them to remove jackets bearing Nazi symbols to avoid conflicts.
A Valais canton spokesperson added, “We condemn any expression of Nazi ideology, whether intentional or used as an excuse for historical reenactment.”