As we entered the bunker, the dampness in the air grew thicker, and I could feel the temperature dropping with every step. My heart was pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation as I made my way into the depths of the 10-Z Bunker in Brno.
I was about to spend the night in a place that had once been the last line of defense against nuclear war.
As we were taken down the long corridors to our room, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease at the thought of what people were thinking and feeling back then, walking these exact same corridors.
After what seemed like an eternity, we arrived at our room, furnished with furniture and items that seemed to be from a bygone era. A double bed, only covered by one sheet, two pillows, and two sleeping bags awaited us, while the pipes along the ceiling hissed with flowing oxygen. A good reminder that the air I was breathing was coming directly from the outside world. The weight of history seemed to press in from all sides.
It was an eerie feeling, knowing that we were in a place that was designed to withstand a catastrophic event, and the presence of the oxygen masks under the bed only added to it.
It was at this moment we realized this was going to be an unforgettable experience.
What is the 10-Z Bunker in Brno?
The 10-Z Bunker, also known as the Brno Underground, built as an air-raid shelter built during and after World War II to protect people, who are important for controlling the city and region in the event of a nuclear attack.
The bunker features a complex system of tunnels and rooms designed to provide shelter, food, and medical care for up to 500 people for up to 3 days. It was equipped with air filtration systems, water storage tanks, and backup generators to ensure its occupants could survive in the event of a nuclear blast.
After World War II, the bunker housed a wholesale wine store called Löwy & Šmíd. Shortly after, just two days after the coup in February 1948, the wine store was confiscated by the Communist government.
Thankfully the bunker was never used as intended. Nowadays you can take a guided tour or simply explore it by yourself, using a map provided at the entrance. Or spend a night here, as we did.
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Our experience sleeping in the 10-Z Bunker
We only stayed one night at the 10-Z Bunker and the overall experience was quite okay. There are some things I’d like to share, so you know to expect them if you decide to stay here.
The temperature
Starting with the temperature – it’s a widely known fact that people sleep best when the air is colder. With its 14°C (57°F) the bunker is far away from being a comfortable temperature, but it’s also not that bad. You get your own sleeping bag, which keeps you warm during the night without the risk of getting it off, like a blanket for example. You’re covered by warmth throughout the whole night, so that’s good!
Be sure to bring a jumper and long pajamas, perhaps also some socks. I get cold very easily, so having all these items made it much easier for me. Still, I know of someone who only had short pajamas on and they were just fine. So be sure to consider your own needs and habits. If you get cold easily like me, bring warmer clothes for the night!
The light
Our door had a small window at the top, looking towards the hallway, which had its lights on throughout the whole night. We’re usually not bothered by light when sleeping, but this one was too bright, so I had to DIY a cover for it – I just used one of the hand towels we had and put it over the whole window, so almost no light was coming in. It did the trick!
When it comes to noise, unless there are some loud people staying in the bunker, the only distraction will be the air, running through the pipes on the ceiling. It’s not that loud, but you’ll definitely be able to hear it. You might want to bring some ear plugs.
The bathroom
Ah, the bathroom… this one was a bit of a struggle. We wanted to take a shower after a full day of being out and about, so here’s how it went.
The bathroom was common for all people in our hallway. I wrapped a big towel around myself and made my way there. I picked one of the showers, went in and closed the hanging curtain. Next, I had to take my clothes and towel off, and hang all of them just outside my shower, making sure I only took my hand and head out so others wouldn’t see me naked. The hook is just outside, on the wall dividing the different shower “cabins”, so if you want to keep your clothes dry, you need to somehow hang them there, while trying to cover yourself partially with the curtain. Not an easy task, but after a couple of minutes I managed!
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Next came the struggle to actually take a shower. You’ll see a shower head just above your head and a metal chain hanging from it. You need to pull this chain in order to have some water pouring. I thought it was going to be in intervals – pull once and get water for half a minute, but no! I had to hold on to that chain the whole time with one hand and make an attempt of covering my body with soap and washing it off with my other hand. Not an easy job, I tell you that!
Taking a shower in this bunker was a full workout. The water coming out was warm-ish, which was fine by me – at least some warmth in this place.
The room
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After I was all showered and clean (I mean, not sure how well I did with just one hand), it was time to put my pajamas, jumper and socks on, and head back to the room. If you take just one piece of advice from this article, that should be to bring some slippers – the floors are not very clean, and on top of that – they’re cold!
Thankfully there was an extra bed in our room where we put our luggage – I wouldn’t have wanted it sweeping the dirt off the floor.
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I got to the room, wrapped myself in the sleeping bag, and did my best to fall asleep immediately. Unlike other nights, there was no scrolling on my phone this time – the power outlets are nowhere near the bed, but also I didn’t want to take any part of my body out of the sleeping bag.
The night was okay – I only woke up for a few short seconds throughout and then went back to sleep, and there was breakfast waiting for us in the morning!
Can we visit the 10-Z Bunker without sleeping there?
Absolutely. This is actually what we first did – we took a guided tour around the bunker and saw all the various rooms. A few days later we decided to spend our last night in Brno experiencing the shelter even deeper – something you rarely get the chance to do.
You can book a tour of the 10-Z bunker here.
Why did we decide to spend a night at the 10-Z Bunker Hostel?
After travelling around the East Bohemia region, we came back to Brno just for one night. As we were looking for affordable accommodation, we realized that the bunker is among the cheapest options in Brno!
Combined with the fact that it’s a unique experience that you (hopefully) get to do only once – it was a win-win situation. Not to mention that the bunker is super centrally located.
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How much does one night at 10-Z Bunker Hostel in Brno cost?
I strongly advise you to check the exact pricing for the time of your stay, as it can always change. I don’t want to name a number which will be irrelevant in just a few months – so click here to check current prices.
What I can share is that at the time of our stay, this was among the, if not the most affordable place to stay in Brno. Considering the fact that it’s very centrally located, just beneath the castle, and you have breakfast included in your stay, it’s definitely something to consider for one night.
Is sleeping at the 10-Z Bunker Hostel suitable for everyone?
Sleeping in the bunker is not recommended for people with breathing difficulties (asthma, for example), as it’s damp, dusty and smells a bit like mold.
Moreover, since there are no windows, it might not be appropriate for people with claustrophobia.
If you don’t have any similar conditions, you’ll most probably be just fine.
Tips for staying at the 10-Z Bunker Hostel
Bring warm pajamas
The temperature in the bunker is 14°C (57°F) which is quite low. You do get a sleeping bag which is quite warm, but if you tend to get cold easily, bring some warm pajamas or at least a hoodie you can put on.
Bring flip flops
Absolutely mandatory. The bathrooms are common and you’ll need to make your way there. The floors are not very clean either. Just please bring your flip flops.
Don’t rely on the Wi-Fi
There’s indeed Wi-Fi, but it’s relatively weak in the rooms. You’ll get a better signal near and in the Milk Bar.
Take advantage of the tour
People who spend the night in the bunker can go on a tour free of charge.
Stay with a friend
It’s much nicer to spend the experience with a friend, especially when you’ll be out of your comfort zone.
Have some cash for the key deposit
Upon check-in you’ll need to leave a deposit for the key, which you get back when you check out. During our stay this was 200 CZK.
One night is enough
Honestly, you don’t need to stay longer. Do it for the experience and find another, more comfortable place.
Are you looking for more information about travelling to the Czech Republic? You may be interested in:
25 Unmissable Things to do in Brno, Czech Republic (+ Map)
Sky Bridge 721 – The Only Guide You Need for Visiting
9 Places to Visit in Czech East Bohemia – Pardubice, Sky Walk and more
Lyubomira is the creator and author behind Bulgarian On The Go. With a background in journalism and experience in the field of tourism and marketing, her mission is to show travellers many beautiful places they might have never thought of visiting or even knew existed.
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