Kryt Folimanka

Kryt Folimanka is the largest underground structure in Prague's Praha 2 district, built into the hillside beneath Folimanka Park in the Vinohrady neighborhood. This former nuclear fallout shelter was constructed at the turn of the 1950s and 1960s, at the height of Cold War tensions, when Czechoslovak authorities were racing to build a network of civilian shelters against the threat of nuclear conflict. Today it stands as one of the few such sites in Prague open to the public, offering a rare, tangible look at Cold War-era civil defense planning.

What will you see inside?

The shelter covers 1,332 square meters and was designed to hold up to 1,300 people in the event of an emergency. Its stockpiles of food, water, and fuel were meant to sustain occupants for up to 72 hours cut off from the outside world. The complex has its own wells, an independent 30 kW power generator, and heavy armored doors sealing the interior from the rest of the structure. Air inside was filtered and kept at overpressure — a system designed to keep out radioactive or chemical contamination from above. Visitors can now walk through corridors and technical rooms that stayed off-limits to civilians for decades.

The shelter also houses a permanent exhibition on the bombing of Prague in February 1945, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of the city's wartime history — the moment Prague itself came under real aerial attack. It's a fitting complement to the site's civil-defense theme, connecting Cold War preparedness with the actual threat the city once faced.

How to get to Kryt Folimanka?

The shelter sits on Pod Karlovem street in the Vinohrady district (Praha 2), right next to Folimanka Park, in a quiet, green pocket of the city close to the centre. The easiest way in is by tram or metro to the nearby Vinohrady stops, followed by a short walk through the park — the stroll itself, past the green slope and surrounding residential streets, is a pleasant part of the visit.

When should you go?

The site isn't open every day: guided tours run free of charge once a month, and organized groups can arrange a separate visit outside that schedule. If you're planning a trip to Prague, it's worth checking the date of the next monthly opening in advance, since access is limited to these set slots. The shelter has been open to visitors since September 2014, after decades of serving purely as a military and civil-defense facility.

Who is it for?

Kryt Folimanka appeals to travelers interested in Cold War history, defensive architecture, and lesser-known corners of Prague away from the Old Town crowds. Pair the visit with a walk through Folimanka Park and the surrounding Vinohrady district, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and relaxed, residential character.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Kryt Folimanka without a guide? No — the shelter can only be visited on a guided tour, offered once a month, or by prior arrangement for organized groups.

How many people could the shelter accommodate? In an emergency it could hold up to 1,300 people, with supplies designed to last 72 hours.

Is admission free? Yes, the regular monthly guided tours are free of charge.

What else is there to see besides the shelter itself? The complex includes a permanent exhibition on the February 1945 bombing of Prague, covering the air raids the city endured during World War II.