Nuclear fear

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1966: nuclear proliferation is at its height. The Swiss army gets a new protective outfit. (RDB/Kuhn) © RDB/Kuhn

Most blocks of flats built since the 60s include an atomic shelter. In peace time they may be used for something else. Here in Verbier, there is a hostel. (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

Cool even at the height of summer. Ideal for a bar and discotheque, as here in Bern. (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

Everything is to hand in case of an attack or a major catastrophe. (RDB/Kuhn) © RDB/Kuhn

Shelters have between five and several hundred places. In 2006, there were 300,000 shelters in private houses and 5,100 in public buildings. Together they could house 8.6 million people. (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

Exercise in a civil protection shelter - a scene which will conjure up memories in anyone who has been through Swiss military service. (RDB/Rutishauser) © RDB/Rutishauser

How to gain an extra room. (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

Gas masks for all. (RDB/Kuhn) © RDB/Kuhn

Somewhat spartan, but the important thing is to survive. (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

With a little bit of work and a modicum of taste, you can do wonders... (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

... as long as you aren't claustrophobic. (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

1963, civil defence exhibition. This was when the move to build nuclear shelters was just starting. (RDB/Stampfli) © RDB/Stampfli

Collapsed houses, death and destruction all around, but never fear: civil defence is there. The message of this 1963 exhibition. (RDB/Stampfli) © RDB/Stampfli

A splash of colour does no harm. (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

A shelter to keep your souvenirs in. What could be better? (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

Surely just a relic of the Cold War? The Swiss government disagrees: it is still obligatory to include shelters in new buildings. (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

"Neutrality is no protection against radioactivity" - the official message in the 1960s. (RDB/Rutishauer) © RDB/Rutishauser

The entrance to the hostel shelter in Verbier. Not a 5 star establishment, to be sure, but not bad for 25 francs a night. (Peter Gerber) © Peter Gerber

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Underground Switzerland.

Since the 1960s, Switzerland has built enough underground shelters to protect its entire population with space left over – something no other country has done. But since they have never been needed for their original purpose, they have gradually been put to other uses.