Background
WWBOTA is an amateur radio awards scheme (like POTA and SOTA) focused on activating and hunting (chasing) bunkers. More information is on the WWBOTA homepage an navigation links here.
What is HBBOTA
HBBOTA invites amateur radio operators and SWLs to make contacts associated with qualifying bunker sites in Switzerland. Participation is open to all licensed amateurs and listeners worldwide.
There are three ways to take part:
- Activators operate portable stations from approved HBBOTA sites.
- Hunters work HBBOTA activators from home, mobile, or portable stations.
- SWLs (Shortwave Listeners) log and submit verified receptions.
HBBOTA is not a contest. There are no rankings, no pressure, and no fixed operating times. Contacts are made using standard amateur radio practices and exchanged information typically includes callsigns, signal reports, and the HBBOTA reference number.
What counts as a HBBOTA site?
Qualifying sites reflect Switzerland’s unique defence and infrastructure history and may include:
- Military fortifications from the era of World War I, World War II,
or the Cold War - Built by the Swiss military and assigned an A‑number
- The location is publicly known
Each site is researched, documented, and assigned a unique HBBOTA reference, which is fully compatible with the global WWBOTA system.
Logging, Spots and Technology
HBBOTA operators benefit from WWBOTA’s modern technical platform:
- Centralized logging integration via the WWBOTA
- A dedicated WWBOTA spotting cluster for real‑time activity
- Integration with Ham2K Polo for easy spotting and log synchronization
- The WWBOTA Interactive Map, allowing users to explore HBBOTA and international bunker sites by location or reference number
This system ensures HBBOTA activations are visible worldwide and makes hunting simple and rewarding.
Awards and Events
Participation in HBBOTA counts toward WWBOTA lifetime awards for activators, hunters, and SWLs. Awards are automatically tracked and issued electronically in PDF format.
International operating events such as Bunkerfest and Winterfest encourage increased activity and friendly on‑air interaction across borders.
Participation in HBBOTA counts toward WWBOTA lifetime awards for activators, hunters, and SWLs. Awards are automatically tracked and issued electronically in PDF format.
International operating events such as Bunkerfest and Winterfest encourage increased activity and friendly on‑air interaction across borders.
Events:
1st Swiss Outdoor Radio Activity Week: 24 July – 2 August 2026
To increase the visibility of HBBOTA in Switzerland, we are launching the 1st Swiss Outdoor Radio Activity Week. During this period, we aim to encourage as many activators and hunters as possible to operate Swiss bunkers and help raise awareness of the program.
Kick off with the WWBOTA BUNKERFEST 2026
The WWBOTA BUNKERFEST 2026 from 24 to 26 July 2026, is an ideal opportunity to make numerous bunker-to-bunker QSOs with neighboring countries.
Extended Through the National Holiday Weekend
What could be more fitting for HBBOTA than the weekend of our National Day? Therefore, we are extending the activity period through 2 August 2026. This gives you even more opportunities to make plenty of bunker QSOs and collect awards.
Simplified Activation Rules in Switzerland
To make activations within Switzerland easier, HBBOTA applies simplified rules: instead of 25 QSOs, only 10 HF QSOs are required for a valid activation. The alternative requirement of 5 QSOs on VHF/UHF bands remains unchanged. However, we recommend continuing beyond 10 QSOs so that your activation also qualifies for international awards.
Award Types
More details can be found on the local website of https://www.bexi.ch/HBBOTA.html
| Award Type | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platin | Diamond | Master | Master II | Master III | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activity Week 2026 Activator | 10 | 20 | 30 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 150 | 200 | activations of bunkers within HBBOTA scheme |
| Activity Week 2026 Hunter | 20 | 30 | 40 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | hunt bunkers within the HBBOTA scheme |
| Lifetime Activator | 50 | 100 | 200 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 1500 | 2000 | activations of bunkers within HBBOTA scheme |
| Lifetime B2B | 50 | 100 | 200 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 1500 | 2000 | per QSO, min 1 Bunker within the HBBOTA-Schema |
| Lifetime Hunter | 100 | 250 | 500 | 1000 | 1500 | 2000 | 2500 | 3000 | per QSO with a Bunker within the HBBOTA-Scheme |
HBBOTA Reference List
Click to button below to propose a new bunker for HBBOTA
| Scheme | DXCC | Reference | Name | Type | Lat | Long | Locator |
|---|
HBBOTA Reference Map
Intersecting Bunkers
HBBOTA Rules
- Valid Bunkers
Only those bunkers listed with a WWBOTA reference number are valid for HBBOTA activations. A valid reference for HBBOTA is in the format B/HB-xxxx where xxxx is a number starting at 0001. - Activation Zone
A bunker may be activated up to 1000 m from its stated coordinates. The activation zone is therefore a circle with a radius of 1000 m around the
coordinates. - Simultaneous Activation of Multiple Bunkers Up to five bunkers may be activated simultaneously. The activator must be located within 1000 m of the coordinates of each of these bunkers – i.e., in the intersection of all activation zones (Venn diagram principle).
- Required Number of QSOs
A successful activation requires a different number of QSOs depending on the frequency bands used:
– Shortwave (HF) or mixed operation (HF + 2 m and above): at least 25 QSOs.
– 2 m and above only (VHF/UHF/SHF): at least 5 QSOs.– A callsign counts only once – even if you use it on multiple bands. - Valid Contacts Only direct radio contacts are permitted. Contacts via repeaters, satellites, gateways, or other network-assisted connections are not valid.
- Lifetime Awards For current WWBOTA lifetime awards, each bunker activated scores once in a lifetime.
- Multiple Activations
WWBOTA and HBBOTA welcome multi-scheme activations, i.e. activators are encouraged to activate bunkers with valid references for other schemes (e.g. POTA and SOTA). - Disclaimer and Personal Responsibility
Neither WWBOTA or HBBOTA take responsibility for activators: site access and safety is the sole responsibility of the activator. The listing of a bunker on this site (or any other WWBOTA site) does not imply any right of access. Whilst the list is compiled for public and open-source material the activator is recommended to apply judgement with regarding to operating near sensitive or restricted sites.
Logging
- Many activator chose Ham2K PoLo, other applications are available. Activators can upload their ADIF logs using WWBOTA Logger here. Note: The activator must have a WWBOTA account (WWBOTA.net login) to upload a log.
- Hunters QSO are extracted from Activator ADIF logs, hunters may also add additional QSO records. Note: The hunter must have a WWBOTA account (WWBOTA.net login) to add QSO or view their log.
WWBOTA Logger also provides the ability to view logs, statistics scores, awards, maps and more.
Spotting
2. In addition, you may spot direct to the WWBOTA Cluster. (Spots via Ham2K PoLo go direct to the WWBOTA Cluster).
Awards
Presently HBBOTA does not offer national awards, however, WWBOTA awards are available, see here for more information see here. Award status for WWBOTA is available on WWBOTA Logger here.
