Beneath Helsinki, the gigantic Finnish bomb shelters fascinate the entire world

In Helsinki, the immense underground shelters built beneath the Finnish capital are attracting a growing number of foreign delegations who come to study a civil protection model that has become strategic in an international context marked by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Visitors included Ukrainian municipal officials, impressed by the size of the Merihaka civilian shelter, which can accommodate up to 6,000 people. According to Finnish authorities, nearly 800 foreign delegations have already visited this underground complex, which has become a showcase of the country's security expertise.

Dug 25 meters underground, the Merihaka shelter covers approximately 71,000 cubic meters, the equivalent of a seven-story office building. Built in 2003, it functions daily as a recreational space including sports fields, a gymnasium, and a children's playground.

In an emergency, this site can be transformed into a civil defense shelter in just 72 hours. Emergency equipment, bunk beds, water reserves, and portable toilets can then be installed to protect thousands of people in the event of a bombing or major attack.

This culture of preparedness is deeply rooted in Finland's history and its relationship with Russia since World War II. Within the country, the construction of shelters remains mandatory under certain large residential and commercial buildings, a rule that sets Finland apart from most other European countries.

International interest in these infrastructures has increased significantly since the start of the war in Ukraine and the rising tensions with Iran. Finnish companies specializing in civil protection technologies and dual-use equipment now report a substantial increase in demand and exports.