Why do Swiss homes have bunkers?
Because Switzerland aims to have a shelter place for every resident. There are about 370,000 private and public shelters, and the goal is almost reached. In peacetime a shelter may be used as a storeroom, but it must be ready within five days.
Ep. 5 · This is Ueli · 51 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
Switzerland plans for the worst so calmly that it has almost one shelter place per resident, about 370,000 shelters, many in ordinary basements. Day to day, the shelter is just a storeroom with a very heavy door. As a newcomer, you may find yours behind the cellar door: use it for storage, but keep it easy to clear, because it must be ready within five days.
Blüemli's verdict: Ding. True. About 370,000 shelters. A place for every resident: almost reached.
SCHUTZRAUM: literally: “protection room”; really: the shelter, often in your basement Ueli's Word
Be like Ueli. Keep it ready.
Learn more: Swiss Mythos
The rule, explained
The Federal Office for Civil Protection (BABS) works on one principle: a shelter place for every resident. With about 370,000 private and public shelters, Switzerland has almost reached it. Many are in the basements of ordinary apartment buildings, behind a heavy door: the Schutzraum. You will probably never need yours for its real purpose. In peacetime it can be a storeroom for bikes, boxes or jam, but it must be ready for use within five days. So keep it tidy.
Sources: Federal Office for Civil Protection (BABS), Schutzräume
Questions people ask
How many bunkers does Switzerland have?
About 370,000 private and public shelters, almost a place for every resident (BABS).
Can you use a Swiss bunker as storage?
Yes, in peacetime. It must be ready for use within five days.
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