Short answer. Norway has nearly 19,000 shelters with room for nearly 2.5 million people, but only about 600 are public, with about 300,000 places 1. Public shelters are on DSB's map at kart.dsb.no; the about 18,000 private shelters are reserved for people who normally use the building 12. Without a shelter nearby, take cover in a basement or a central room away from windows 3.
How many shelters are there in Norway?
| Type | Number | Places |
|---|---|---|
| All shelters | Nearly 19,000 | Nearly 2.5 million 1 |
| Public shelters | About 600 | About 300,000 1 |
| Private shelters | About 18,000 | About 2.2 million 1 |
Sivilforsvaret states: "Det er cirka 600 offentlige rom med 300 000 plasser i Norge" (there are about 600 public shelters with 300,000 places in Norway) 1. DSB's English page rounds the total to around 20,000 shelters 2. About 50 municipalities have no shelters 1.
How do I find the nearest public shelter?
- DSB's map at kart.dsb.no shows public shelters 12.
- Signs outside the building mark a public shelter 1.
- Ask your municipality or the local Civil Defence district 1.
Private shelters are signposted inside the building. Their lists are exempt from public disclosure under section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova), although a municipality may publish its own list after a risk assessment 1.
Who can use which shelter?
Public shelters are for anyone in the area. Private shelters are for the people present in the building, such as offices, schools, kindergartens, housing associations and hotels 1. The authorities notify the public when to take shelter; shelters must be usable on 72 hours' notice and allow a stay of at least six hours 12.
What if there is no shelter nearby?
DSB advises taking cover in a basement or a room in the centre of the building, away from windows 32. The general guides on /guides/shelter-or-evacuate, /guides/protection-factor and /guides/fallout-7-10-rule explain why mass and distance from the outside matter.
Are new shelters being built?
No. The Storting temporarily halted the building of new shelters in 1998; existing shelters are to be maintained 1. A proposed regulation on shelters was sent to consultation in 2026; see the build a shelter page.
How will I know when to go?
Through the siren signal "Fare for angrep – søk dekning" (risk of attack, seek cover), a Nødvarsel alert on your phone or NRK P1. Details are on the alerts page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the shelter in my office building?
Private shelters are for the people present in the building, which includes offices 1.
Why can't I find a list of private shelters?
Private shelter lists are exempt from public disclosure (offentleglova § 21); a municipality may publish its own after a risk assessment 1.
How long are shelters designed for?
Shelters must allow a stay of at least six hours and be usable on 72 hours' notice 1. See the shelter standards page.
Does every municipality have a shelter?
No. About 50 municipalities have no shelters 1.
Sources
- Sivilforsvaret — Spørsmål og svar om tilfluktsrom — https://www.sivilforsvaret.no/dette-er-sivilforsvaret/tilfluktsrom/sporsmal-og-svar-om-tilfluktsrom/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap (DSB) — Worth knowing about shelters — https://www.dsb.no/en/Safe-everyday-life/Self-preparedness/Worth-knowing-about-shelters/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap (DSB) — How you can play your part in Norway's emergency preparedness – Advice on emergency preparedness — https://www.dsb.no/siteassets/sikkerhverdag/egenberedskap/brosjyren/dsb-egenberedskap-engelsk-web.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Norway, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Sivilforsvaret · Spørsmål og svar om tilfluktsrom checked 2026-10-20
- Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap (DSB) · Worth knowing about shelters checked 2026-10-20
- Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap (DSB) · How you can play your part in Norway's emergency preparedness – Advice on emergency preparedness checked 2026-10-20