The first large bunker fortifications came about in response to the rise of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy in the 1930s and 1940s. Be it against the Prussians and the French in the 1800s or the Italians and the Germans in the 1900s, Switzerland has always developed innovative plans to defend itself. History of nuclear fallout shelters in SwitzerlandĮver since the first enshrining of Swiss neutrality into law, Switzerland has been continually reacting and planning to counter threats posed by the outside world. It is likely that even shelters that are decommissioned will still have their massive blast doors hinged to the entrance. Situated in the basement, you can recognise these bunkers by their ventilation system, anti-gas filters and the large number of shelves used to stockpile essential supplies - which can be converted into bunk beds in emergency situations. Right up until 2012, buildings were mandated to have a fallout shelter which could accommodate all residents. If your house was built between 1963 and the late 1980s, it will have a nuclear bunker of some kind built-in. The question is: is this an old wives' tale or a genuine fact? Does every house in Switzerland have a nuclear bunker?

You may have heard through global media or the internet that every house and apartment in Switzerland has its own shelter that can withstand a nuclear blast.

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