The Leutascher Schanz is a dam that delineated the access from Bavaria to Tyrol. It is closely related to the neighboring Porta Claudia in Scharnitz and was intended to prevent a bypass of the latter through the neighboring valley.

During the wars in which Napoleon and the French troops swept through the European continent, Tyrol was also attacked in 1805. The Bavarians fought on the side of the French.

They attempted to invade the country over the passes of Scharnitz and Leutasch. Locally knowledgeable Bavarians from Mittenwald showed the French a trail (now known as Franzosensteig and accessible as a hiking path) that led past the Grünkopf moutain. This allowed them to bypass the fortifications of the Leutascher Schanz.

After breaking through at Leutasch and capturing the Scharnitz Pass, the French advanced into the Inn Valley and towards Innsbruck. Remnants of the "Schanz" in Leutasch can still be seen at the old customs office (Unterleutasch, district of Schanz). Tip: The entrance to the Geisterklamm gorge is in close proximity (about 3 minutes walking time).