In the period of the Cold War, the Dutch government promulgated in 1952 the Protection of Population Act. All over the country volunteers were trained by the 'BB' to respond adequately in case of emergency.
Special 'atomic bunkers' were built in many places where the civilian population could shelter and underground command centers could be set up. The command bunker at Oranjewoud was opened on 3 June 1966 by the then Queen's Commissioner in Friesland mr. H. P. Linthorst Homan and was part of the BB circle Friesland-B.
The bunker contained beds and sanitary facilities, as well as a food supply, drinking water and fuel. In total there were four command posts:
- Leeuwarden
- Sneek
- Oranjewoud
- Grou (in use as Population Protection Museum)
The bunker is currently not open to visitors and therefore not accessible.
