Because it's the job of our editorial team to cover all aspects of personal safety, FLUX has decided to talk to you about Switzerland and its network of bunkers, unique in the world.
To complete our article, we were lucky enough to visit one (first photo below). At a time when some politicians are "playing" with our fears by talking about a potential war, we thought it appropriate to lift the veil on this incredible infrastructure that our Swiss neighbors have been building for almost 80 years.
Switzerland is arguably the world's most advanced country in terms of civil protection and crisis preparedness. With a bunker for every inhabitant, strict legislation and a tradition of foresight, it offers a unique model that fascinates the rest of the world.
Whether private, military or government bunkers, this underground infrastructure reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in Swiss culture: it's better to be prepared for any eventuality than to be surprised by adversity.
Welcome to a little-known underground Switzerland.
A country prepared for any eventuality
Switzerland is unique in the world when it comes to disaster and conflict preparedness. Since the Second World War, the country has built up an impressive infrastructure of underground bunkers, both for its citizens and for its strategic infrastructures.
This tradition of civil protection is explained by Switzerland's geopolitical position, its commitment to neutrality and its desire to guarantee the survival of its population in the event of a threat. Even today, the country boasts one of the densest and most advanced networks of bunkers in the world.
A network of bunkers unique in the world
Switzerland is often cited as the only country where every inhabitant is guaranteed a place in an underground shelter in the event of conflict or major disaster. This policy is the result of decades of investment in civil protection, which has led to the construction of over 360,000 private and public bunkers across the country. This means that, with a population of around 8.7 million, Switzerland theoretically has a shelter for every citizen.
The country has even taken this preparation to an extreme: according to Swiss law, all new residential buildings must include a fallout shelter if the size of the building permits. If this obligation cannot be met, building owners must contribute financially to the upkeep of collective shelters.
These shelters are often concealed beneath houses, apartment blocks, schools, even churches and parking lots. In addition, hospitals, administrations and strategic infrastructures (such as communications centers or power stations) are equipped with ultra-secure bunkers that guarantee their operation even in times of crisis.
The origins of this civil defense policy
The Swiss bunker craze dates back to the Second World War, when the country, although neutral, was surrounded by Axis forces. The idea of a defense system based on protecting the population began to take shape at that time. But it was mainly during the Cold War that Switzerland invested heavily in the construction of atomic bunkers, fearing a nuclear confrontation between the USA and the USSR.
From the 1960s onwards, legislation required every new residential building to include a shelter. This rule, still in force today, has considerably expanded the country's civil protection network.
How are these bunkers equipped?
Swiss bunkers are more than just reinforced cellars. They are designed to provide total autonomy for several weeks or even months. Each bunker is generally equipped with the following items:
Air filtration systems to protect against radiation, toxic gases or biological agents.
Food and water reserves, with long-life stocks.
An independent electrical system, often coupled to a generator.
Chemical toilets and waste disposal systems.
Bunk beds and rudimentary living spaces to accommodate entire families.
Communications equipment to keep abreast of developments in any external crisis.
Some modern bunkers are even equipped with Internet connections, video surveillance and automated warning systems.
Military and government bunkers
In addition to shelters for civilians, Switzerland also boasts ultra-secure underground military and government facilities. Among the most famous:
The underground fort of Sasso San Gottardo, a former military base carved out of the mountain and transformed into a museum.
The Swiss army's network of shelters, capable of housing troops, armored vehicles and military equipment in the event of an attack.
Underground command centers, enabling Swiss leaders to continue running the country even in extreme situations.
Legend even has it that some Swiss freeways were designed to be transformed into landing strips in the event of war!
A culture of preparation still relevant today
Although the threat of nuclear war has diminished since the end of the Cold War, the culture of preparedness is still deeply rooted in Switzerland. In recent years, and particularly recently with the conflict in Ukraine, geopolitical tensions, the energy crisis and cyber threats have led to a renewed interest in bunkers.
Survivalism is seen less as an extreme movement than in other countries. In Switzerland, it's common sense to be prepared for any eventuality. In fact, the Swiss government recommends that citizens keep at least a week's supply of food and drinking water in their homes at all times.
On the other hand, with climate change and an increasing number of natural disasters, some Swiss are beginning to see bunkers not just as protection against war, but also as a refuge from violent storms, floods or shortages.
Luxury bunkers, a growing trend
With growing security concerns, a new industry is booming in Switzerland: that of luxury bunkers. Some companies are now offering high-end shelters equipped like luxury apartments, with home cinema, wine cellar, gym and even underground swimming pool.
These bunkers, which can cost several million Swiss francs, attract a wealthy clientele seeking protection against any possible crisis, be it war, financial crash or pandemic.
Why does Switzerland continue to invest in its bunkers?
Unlike other countries that have gradually abandoned their civil defense infrastructures, Switzerland continues to maintain and modernize its shelters. There are several reasons for this commitment:
A strong political commitment: Swiss neutrality is based on an autonomous defense capability.
A rigorous legislative framework: Swiss law still imposes strict construction standards for civil protection.
A country exposed to various risks: even without a direct military threat, Switzerland remains vulnerable to other crises (natural disasters, cyber attacks, economic crises).
A national heritage: bunkers have become an integral part of the Swiss identity.