Interlaken, Switzerland - May 09, 2024

Switzerland’s deep lakes are known for their postcard-worthy beauty and placid, pristine waters. Now, the government has revealed that many of the country’s lakes have been serving as holding places for ammunition, some for more than 100 years.

As it seeks solutions, the country’s defense procurement agency has announced a competition: The three best entries on how to rid the lakes of the munitions will share a cash prize of 50,000 Swiss francs — or about $58,000.

From 1918 to 1964, the Swiss disposed of munitions in lakes around the country, including Lake Lucerne, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and others. Some of the munitions were surplus, while others were outdated, rejected or even in perfect condition. They lie roughly 500 to 700 feet below the surface of the lakes, the competition announcement said.