05/22/2026
Finland’s shelters are gaining global recognition for their innovative approach to civil preparedness.
Around 800 foreign delegations have visited the Merihaka civil shelter, one of the largest among Finland’s 50,500 shelters. Built underground and currently operating as a sports and recreation complex—with a children’s playground, gym, and other facilities—the space can be rapidly converted in an emergency to accommodate up to 6,000 people.
With decades of experience, Finnish companies have developed world-leading expertise in the construction and maintenance of civil shelters, including radiation-protected doors, ventilation systems, communications infrastructure, and other critical technologies.
As the global security environment becomes increasingly uncertain, countries are investing more in preparedness and resilience. Finland has valuable expertise and practical solutions to share.
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Visiting mayors from Ukrainian cities took pictures inside an enormous cave carved in the bedrock below the Finnish capital, taking in the size and the possibilities of a space that can accommodate 6,000 people.