A Swiss security firm is excavating caverns over 330 feet beneath a mountain to offer ultra-secure storage for valuables and potential retreat spaces, citing increasing global instability and climate change concerns. Brünig Mega Safe is creating up to 25 vaults from the limestone of the Brünig massif, aiming to provide security comparable to that of the Swiss National Bank.
The vaults are designed to store a range of high-value assets including artwork, vehicles, wine collections, and safety deposit boxes. The natural temperature of 13C (55.4F) at that depth is ideal for preserving wine and art. The firm claims that clients are already signing up for 99-year leases, with vault openings expected to begin next year. Access will be available 24 hours a day through a tunnel large enough for lorries, with multiple, undisclosed security checks.
Beyond storage, Brünig Mega Safe also offers additional room modules that can be incorporated into purchased caverns. These modules are intended for personal temporary retreats, discreet meeting areas, or lounges, providing a secure environment for more than just asset protection.
The company is also establishing a center for security training, risk analysis, and survival alongside the underground facilities. Thomas Gasser, chairman of Brünig Mega Safe, noted a growing market for ultra-secure storage, stating that the perceived security of places like Dubai is now being questioned, leading individuals to seek ways to safeguard their wealth.
Switzerland has a long history of utilizing its mountainous terrain for secure storage, with many disused military bunkers repurposed as vaults or data centers. The country is also actively upgrading its nuclear bunkers. Under a 1963 law, Switzerland guarantees all residents, including foreigners, a place in shelters equipped to withstand nuclear, biological, and chemical attacks, as well as conventional weapons.
This development occurs as much of Europe prepares for potential conflict. Finland, for instance, has invested heavily in safety bunkers since 1939, creating over 5,500 shelters beneath Helsinki with capacity for nearly a million people. Since 1954, Finnish law mandates bomb shelters in buildings exceeding 1,200 square meters.