Swiss policy of neutrality is obviously famous. I suspect WWII likely strained this policy to the limits. The European Axis powers had at least strongly considered an invasion of Switzerland via Operation Tannenbaum. Why was this plan never executed? How well were the Swiss prepared to defend against an invasion? How much of a advantage were the Swiss granted due to terrain?
A few other questions vaguely related to this topic that I was curious about: How did the Swiss army perform historically when fighting defensive wars? When is the last time the Swiss broke their policy of neutrality (if ever)?
Its a pretty frequent question and the answer is rather simple, the cost benefit relation wasn't good. Switzerland didn't threaten Germany nor did it have substantial negative consequences to not invade. Trade was done anyways for example. It didn't provide the possibility for an allied bridgehead because of its location. Besides that an invasion was already planned ( Operation Tannenbaum ) and would likely have taken place after the war anyways. The terrain in Switzerland is perfect for defense, at least in alps, and would require a significant amount of ressources to conquer in contrast to other small countries like Denmark, Netherlands or Belgium. Like said before it had no strategic value at least not enough to postpone or weaken Barbarossa or divide troops during Fall Gelb. If you compare this to Denmark and Netherland for example these countries were important in the war against the Western Allies, the Swiss is landlocked and surrounded by Axis. Many countries were conquered to deprive the UK from a grip in Europe or to shield the Reich against a possible landing. Benelux countries provided aircraft bases which were vital, Norway was vital for comparable reasons, Sweden for instance wasn't invaded either it was in a similiar Situation like Switzerland. The Balkans were invaded because the UK had a foothold there and could threaten German flanks plus Mussolini... . Spain was somewhat connected to Germany and because of its location and the Pyrennes not suitable as possible Bridgehead. The countries invaded by Germany were either important to the defense against the UK ( Norway/Denmark, Belgium/Netherlands and Balkans) or they were part of the ideological agenda ( everything in the east). Swiss didn't fall in either category and was therefore, lacking a better phrase, not worth the hassle
This was asked before and i guess you can find more indepth answers if you want to search around a bit.
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