Folimanka Nuclear Shelter Opening Times and Planning

The Folimanka shelter is one of the largest underground structures in Prague. It was built to protect citizens from a nuclear strike. Unlike many other museums, this site is still maintained by the city. It remains functional as a civil defense shelter today. Finding the correct Folimanka nuclear shelter opening times is crucial for your trip.

The shelter is not open every day. It typically opens to the public only one Saturday per month. These openings usually occur from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Entry is completely free for all visitors. You do not need to make a reservation in advance. You can check the official municipal website at Praha.eu for the specific dates each month.

Inside, you will find a labyrinth of tunnels and heavy blast doors. The air is cool and the atmosphere is quiet. It is a self-guided experience, so you can walk at your own pace. Information boards explain the technical aspects of the life-support systems. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in unusual museums in Prague.

11 Best Nuclear Bunker Tours in Prague and Nearby

Prague offers many opportunities to explore military history beyond Folimanka. These sites range from luxury hotel bunkers to massive hillside tunnels. Here are the top locations to visit for a unique historical perspective.

• Best overall: Kryt Folimanka
• Best for luxury: Hotel Jalta Bunker
• Best for families: Army Museum Žižkov
• Best free option: Folimanka

1. Name: Kryt Folimanka Type: experience Why go: It is one of the largest and most authentic civil defense shelters in the city. Best for: History buffs and budget travelers. Where: Vinohrady, Prague 2. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram to Pod Karlovem stop. Tip: Check the monthly schedule before you go.
2. Name: Hotel Jalta Nuclear Bunker Type: sight Why go: This hidden bunker was built for high-ranking officials and spies. Best for: Fans of espionage history. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Metro A/B to Můstek. Tip: You can learn more about how to visit Hotel Jalta nuclear bunker to see the secret hospital.
3. Name: Bunker Parukářka Type: experience Why go: A deep underground complex that now hosts a museum and occasional events. Best for: Those seeking an alternative vibe. Where: Žižkov district. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid tour. Getting there: Tram to Olšanské náměstí. Tip: The climb up the hill offers great city views.
4. Name: Museum of Communism Type: museum Why go: Provides essential context for why these bunkers were built. Best for: Understanding the daily life under the regime. Where: Old Town. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Short walk from Náměstí Republiky. Tip: Combine this with history of communism tours in Prague for a full day of learning.
5. Name: Army Museum Žižkov Type: museum Why go: Recently renovated with world-class exhibits on Czech military history. Best for: Military enthusiasts. Where: Žižkov. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Bus to U Památníku stop. Tip: The museum is huge, so wear comfortable shoes.
6. Name: Vítkov National Memorial Type: sight Why go: Features a massive equestrian statue and a functional laboratory once used for mummification. Best for: Iconic views and strange history. Where: Vítkov Hill. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid for interior. Getting there: Walk up from Žižkov. Tip: Visit the National Museum website for exhibit updates here.
7. Name: Vyšehrad Casemates Type: sight Why go: Underground corridors within the fortress walls that house original Baroque statues. Best for: Combining history with a park walk. Where: Vyšehrad. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Metro C to Vyšehrad. Tip: The Gorlice hall is the largest space in the casemates.
8. Name: Cold War Museum at Wenceslas Square Type: museum Why go: A small but dense collection of artifacts from the 1950s to the 1980s. Best for: A quick city-center stop. Where: Near the National Museum. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Metro C to Muzeum. Tip: Look for the entrance near the hotel lobbies.
9. Name: Anděl Metro Station Type: experience Why go: A prime example of Soviet-style metro architecture designed to double as a bomb shelter. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Smíchov. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Price of a transit ticket. Getting there: Metro B to Anděl. Tip: Look for the bronze reliefs depicting Soviet-Czechoslovak friendship.
10. Name: Lidice Memorial Type: day trip Why go: A somber site dedicated to a village destroyed during WWII. Best for: Reflective history. Where: 20km west of Prague. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Bus from Nádraží Veleslavín. Tip: Visit the official Visit Czechia portal for transport tips.
11. Name: Terezín Ghetto Museum Type: day trip Why go: A massive fortress used as a Jewish ghetto and Gestapo prison. Best for: Deep historical immersion. Where: 60km north of Prague. Time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Bus from Florenc station. Tip: Allow a full day for this emotional visit.

Practical Tips for Visiting Prague Bunkers

Visiting underground sites requires some preparation. Most bunkers maintain a constant temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius. Even in summer, you should bring a light jacket. The air can feel damp in some of the older tunnels. Wear sturdy shoes as floors can be uneven or slippery.

Always check the latest opening times online before you travel. Sites like Folimanka have very specific windows for public access. If you miss the monthly opening, consider a private tour. Several companies offer guided walks through other smaller bunkers. These often include transport and expert storytelling.

Photography is usually allowed in public shelters like Folimanka. However, some private museums may charge an extra fee. Always ask the staff before filming or using a tripod. Respect the historical nature of these sites during your visit. Most bunkers are not fully accessible for wheelchairs due to steep stairs.