Because our editorial team's job is to cover all issues related to personal safety, FLUX has decided to tell you about Switzerland and its unique network of bunkers.
To complete our article, we had the chance to visit one (first photo below). At a time when some politicians are "playing" at scaring us by evoking a potential war, we thought it would be relevant to lift the veil on this incredible infrastructure that our Swiss neighbors have been building for nearly 80 years.
Switzerland is arguably the most advanced country in the world when it comes to 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 is better to be prepared for any eventuality than to be surprised by adversity.
Welcome to an underground and little-known Switzerland.
A country prepared for every eventuality
Switzerland is unique in the world when it comes to disaster and conflict preparedness. Since World War II, the country has built an impressive infrastructure of underground bunkers, both for its citizens and for its strategic infrastructure.
This tradition of civil protection is explained by Switzerland's geopolitical position, its commitment to neutrality, and its desire to ensure the survival of its population in the event of a threat. Even today, the country maintains one of the densest and most advanced bunker networks in the world.
A network of bunkers unique in the world
Switzerland is often cited as the only country where every resident 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 more than 360,000 private and public bunkers across the country. This means that with a population of approximately 8.7 million people, Switzerland theoretically has a shelter for every citizen.
The country has even taken this preparation to an extreme level: according to Swiss law, all new residential buildings must include a fallout shelter whenever the building's size allows. If this requirement cannot be met, owners must contribute financially to the maintenance of collective shelters.
These shelters are often hidden under houses, buildings, schools, and even churches and parking lots. In addition, hospitals, government offices, and strategic infrastructure (such as communications centers or power plants) are equipped with ultra-secure bunkers that ensure their operation even in times of crisis.
The origin of this civil defense policy
Switzerland's passion for bunkers dates back to World War II, when the country, although neutral, was surrounded by Axis powers. The idea of a defense system based on protecting the population began to take shape at that time. But it was especially during the Cold War that Switzerland invested heavily in the construction of anti-atomic bunkers, fearing a nuclear confrontation between the United States and the USSR.
Beginning in the 1960s, legislation mandated that every new residential building include a shelter. This rule, still in effect today, has significantly expanded the country's civil protection network.
How are these bunkers equipped?
Swiss bunkers are not just reinforced cellars. They are designed to allow complete self-sufficiency for several weeks, or even months. Each shelter is generally equipped with the following:
Air filtration systems capable of protecting against radiation, toxic gases or biological agents.
Food and water reserves , with long-life stocks.
An independent electrical system , often coupled with a generator.
Chemical toilets and waste disposal systems.
Bunk beds and rudimentary living spaces to accommodate entire families.
Communication equipment to stay informed about the development of a possible external crisis.
Some modern bunkers are even equipped with internet connections, video surveillance systems and automated alert systems .
Military and government bunkers
In addition to shelters for civilians, Switzerland has ultra-secure underground military and government installations. Among the most famous:
The underground fort of Sasso San Gottardo , a former military base dug into the mountain and converted into a museum.
The Swiss Army's shelter network , capable of sheltering troops, armored vehicles and military equipment in the event of an attack.
Underground command centers , which allow Swiss leaders to continue to manage the country even in extreme situations.
Legend even has it that some Swiss highways were designed to be transformed into landing strips in the event of war!
A culture of preparation that is still relevant today
Although the threat of nuclear war has diminished since the end of the Cold War, the culture of preparedness remains entrenched in Switzerland. In recent years, particularly with the conflict in Ukraine, in the face of geopolitical tensions, the energy crisis, and cyber threats, interest in bunkers has seen a resurgence.
Survivalism is less perceived as an extreme movement than in other countries. In Switzerland, being prepared and prepared for any eventuality is considered common sense. The government recommends that citizens have at least a week's worth of food and drinking water at home at all times.
On the other hand, with climate change and the increase in natural disasters, some Swiss are beginning to see bunkers not only as protection against war, but also as a refuge against violent storms, floods or shortages.
Luxury bunkers, a growing trend
With security concerns rising, a new industry is booming in Switzerland: luxury bunkers. Some companies now offer high-end shelters equipped like luxury apartments, complete with home cinemas, wine cellars, gyms, and even underground swimming pools.
These bunkers, which can cost several million Swiss francs, attract a wealthy clientele seeking protection against all possible crises, whether war, a financial crash or a pandemic.
Why does Switzerland continue to invest in its bunkers?
Unlike other countries that have gradually abandoned their civil defense infrastructure, 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 laws still impose strict construction standards in terms of civil protection.
A country exposed to various risks : even without a direct military threat, Switzerland remains vulnerable to other crises (natural disasters, cyberattacks, economic crises).
A national heritage : bunkers are now an integral part of Swiss identity.