Elefanten, Sollentuna, Cold War civil defense headquarters in Edsberg, Sweden
Elefanten is an underground civil defense command facility carved into rock in Sollentuna, north of Stockholm. Inside the mountain, separate buildings stand with reinforced walls, independent power and water systems, decontamination showers, and medical rooms.
The shelter was built in the 1970s to ensure that regional and national leaders could continue governing even during a nuclear war. It reflects Sweden's Cold War strategy of keeping key command structures operational under the worst possible conditions.
The name Elefanten is said to come from the large spring mounts that hold up the inner buildings, which are said to resemble elephant legs. Visitors who get inside can see these supports in person and understand how the nickname came about.
Access to the facility is limited, so it is worth booking a guided tour before you visit. Tours run on set dates and independent entry is not permitted, so planning ahead is essential.
The inner buildings rest on large steel springs designed to absorb the shock of a nuclear blast and allow the structure to shift slightly without breaking. This kind of spring isolation was a technically advanced solution at the time the shelter was built.
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