Gland, Switzerland

Gland is a commune of the Vaud canton, Switzerland. Even though French is the main language, there are over 80 nationalities living in this city with a population of 10,185 (2002). Since it is ideally located halfway between the cities of Geneva and Lausanne, many international companies and organizations settled there, among others Sun Microsystems, the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the Ramsar Convention and the WWF, The Conservation Organization.

History

Gland is known to have been a prehistoric settlement. During the Roman time a farm called Villa Glanis was there. Until the 60's, Gland was just a little farming village (essentially vineyards and cattle). The opening of the Highway leading from Geneva to Lausanne brought many commuters in this quiet place. Only since the mid eighties, it started to grow into a city with its own businesses and shopping centers.

Miscellaneous

In the 30's, a line of defence has been built at the edge of Gland. Its purpose was to stop any attempt of tank invasion coming from the West. The big concrete blocks are similar to the shape of toblerones and thus the line was called the Toblerone Line. Since nature has remained untouched during more than 60 years, it was decided to keep these concrete blocks and to make a hiking trail along the line.