In the heart of Finland’s capital, Helsinki, there is a hidden gem that is a must visit. No, quite literally hidden! This is because Helsinki’s playgrounds double as civil defence shelters.

A regular part of life to the locals, these shelters are not only fun, but also an important resource. As a neighbor to Russia, Finland has long been aware of war risks and precautions. Even after taking the position of neutrality the country has still been prepared for any possible conflicts. One of the ways that they have prepared is by creating this system of underground shelters to protect civilians in a time of crisis. There are enough shelters to protect Helsinki’s entire population, and then some.

Even though the shelters vary in size and function, they all share a few key features. They all have reinforced concrete walls to withstand nuclear and chemical attacks. They have air filtration to provide clean air in the event of biological or chemical threats. They’re supplied with enough food and water to sustain people for extended periods of time. The bunkers are equipped with bunk beds and mats for emergency sheltering. They have emergency power and lighting just in case the power grid fails. Finally, they have communication facilities to receive information from outside the bunkers.

However, many of these bunkers have been repurposed into multifunctional recreational facilities. The Itäkeskus Swimming Hall is built inside of a bunker and provides extra shelter in an emergency. Many also contain hockey rinks and parking garages, also able to be converted into shelters. On top of this, areas like Kamppi’s Underground City house shops and restaurants while also providing emergency shelter capabilities.

These shelters are more than just relics of the Cold War; they provide real-world use. Whether you want to explore a piece of history, or simply just go swimming, these shelters cater to many different needs. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, Helsinki’s shelters are a must-visit.

Cites-

https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/11/11/deep-beneath-helsinki-playgrounds-that-double-as-bomb-shelters/

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/realestate/helsinki-finland-bunkers-bomb-shelters.html

https://cercatravel.com/helsinki-underground/