Where Are the Public Shelters in Norway? A Practical Guide

Norway has one of the most extensive networks of public shelters in Europe. Although many were built during the Cold War, they are still part of the official preparedness system and can be used in the event of war, attack or serious crisis. According to the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), there are nearly 20,000 shelters with capacity for around 2.5 million people.

Knowing where your nearest shelter is, is a basic step in personal preparedness. Below is an overview of how to find them and what types of shelter exist in the country.

DSB's official shelter map

DSB provides an interactive map showing all registered public shelters in Norway. It is the most up-to-date and reliable source available.

Access the map: kart.dsb.no

On the map you can:

• Search for a specific address
• Find public shelters nearby
• See shelters in car parks, municipal buildings, sports halls and other facilities
• Check shelter availability in your municipality

Types of shelter in Norway

Public shelters

These are available to everyone in the area during an emergency. They are often located in underground car parks, sports halls and municipal buildings. They are marked with the official symbol and must be ready for use within 72 hours.

Private shelters

These are found in residential buildings, offices, schools, hotels and other private properties. Their use is limited to people in the building. The owner is responsible for maintenance and making sure they work.

Uneven distribution of shelters

The system was mainly built between the Second World War and the end of the 1990s. As a result, most shelters are in larger cities and densely populated areas. Many smaller municipalities have no shelters, as the risk was historically considered lower and the costs high.

What to do if there is no shelter nearby

DSB recommends following the authorities' instructions in a crisis. If there is no shelter nearby, seek protection in basements, underground car parks or solid structures, and avoid windows and exposed areas. The municipality will announce which buildings, if any, are opened as temporary shelters.

Shelters remain an important part of Norway's preparedness structure. Although many are not in daily use, they can quickly be put into service if the situation requires it. To find your nearest shelter, DSB's official map is the most reliable resource: kart.dsb.no