In Switzerland, bunkers remain part of the national security infrastructure rather than a relic of the Cold War. The question of who must build shelters is regulated by law and tied to a broader civil protection model. The system is designed to ensure that every resident has access to a protected space—regardless of whether a bunker exists in their own building.

How the shelter system in Switzerland was formed

Switzerland’s civil protection system took shape in the second half of the 20th century, when the European security landscape demanded long-term solutions. The country adopted an approach that still stands out today: building a nationwide network of shelters rather than isolated facilities.

The core principle remains unchanged—every person should have access to a shelter close to where they live. As a result, hundreds of thousands of shelters were constructed, and the total number of available places exceeds the population. In practical terms, even if a building has no bunker, residents are still covered by the system.

Who is required to build a bunker today

Today, the obligation to build shelters is not universal for all property owners. It is applied selectively and depends on the type of construction and local conditions.

The requirement primarily applies to:

– large new residential developments (typically with more than 38 rooms)

– projects in areas where there is a shortage of shelter capacity

In smaller municipalities, the rules can be stricter. Even smaller buildings may fall under the requirement if there is a local deficit in available shelter spaces.

If a developer does not build a bunker, a compensatory fee must be paid—approximately CHF 1,400 per missing shelter place. These funds are used to finance public shelters or maintain existing infrastructure.

This mechanism creates balance: not every building needs its own bunker, but every project contributes to the overall security system.

What qualifies as a shelter

Swiss law clearly defines what constitutes a shelter. It is not just a basement or a general safe space.

Key features include:

– reinforced concrete structure designed to withstand building collapse

– airtight protective doors

– a ventilation system ensuring breathable air

These facilities are primarily intended for use during armed conflict, but they can also serve during other emergencies such as natural or technological disasters.

Who is responsible for maintenance

If a shelter is located in a private building, the owner is responsible for keeping it operational.

This includes:

– maintaining basic technical condition

– preserving the functionality of structural elements and equipment

– complying with inspection requirements

Inspections are carried out regularly—typically at least once every ten years, though some cantons may require more frequent checks.

At the same time, certain upgrades or maintenance measures may be financed through funds collected from compensatory contributions. This reflects a shared responsibility between private owners and the public system.

Entrance to a concrete protective shelter with massive metal doors for civilian protection.

Author: Maciej Bledowski / Source: Shutterstock

Can a bunker be used for everyday purposes

In practice, Swiss households often use these spaces for everyday purposes. Shelters may serve as storage rooms, workshops, or additional living space.

However, one key condition applies: the shelter must be ready to be restored to its original function at any time.

It is not permitted to:

– alter the structural shell

– remove protective doors

– modify the ventilation system

If these elements are compromised, authorities may require the owner to restore the shelter at their own expense. Permanent decommissioning is only possible with cantonal approval.

What happens if there is no bunker in the building

The absence of a private shelter does not mean a lack of protection. In such cases, residents are assigned to public shelters.

These are typically located in:

– schools

– administrative buildings

– designated public shelter facilities

They are generally within walking distance. Specific assignments are determined by local authorities in case of emergency, as allocation plans are regularly updated based on demographic changes.

We have also already covered in detail how the warning system works in Switzerland, what types of sirens exist, where to find official instructions, and what to do in different emergency situations in our article “Emergency situation in Switzerland: Emergency numbers, warning signals and safety rules”.

Why Switzerland maintains the shelter system

Despite changing security conditions, Switzerland has not abandoned its shelter system. The reason lies in its long-term approach to risk management.

Shelters are treated as infrastructure that may not be used for years but must always remain ready. The system is not dependent on short-term political trends and is maintained as a core state function.

Major technological disasters have also reinforced the importance of maintaining such резерв capacity.

Security as shared infrastructure

The Swiss model shows that shelters are not a matter of individual choice but part of a broader social contract. Not everyone builds a bunker, but everyone contributes—either financially or through access.

This creates a balance between private responsibility and public planning. The system avoids placing excessive burden on individuals while ensuring that protection remains universally available.

In practice, this reflects a pragmatic approach to security: not reacting to crises after they occur, but maintaining infrastructure that is already prepared.

Sources:

Beobachter

Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz

Bundesamt für Wohnungswesen