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Tunnel of Hope

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The "Tunnel of Hope" in Sarajevo (Tunel spasa) is an extraordinary testament to human human will to survive and ingenuity during the cruel four-year siege of the city (1992-1996). Because Sarajevo was completely encircled by Bosnian Serb troops and under constant fire, courageous citizens and volunteers began digging a secret tunnel with their bare hands, pickaxes, and shovels in the spring of 1993. The roughly 800-meter-long, 1-meter-wide, and only 1.6-meter-high shaft ran directly beneath the United Nations-controlled airport runway, connecting the besieged district of Dobrinja with the free zone of Butmir. It became the trapped city's only lifeline. Up to 4,000 people passed through the damp, poorly ventilated passageway daily to transport food, medical supplies, weapons, and electrical cables in, and to bring the wounded out. Today, a small section of the tunnel, along with the heavily damaged Kolar house at the Butmir entrance, is preserved as a poignant museum documenting the terrible realities of the Bosnian War.

Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Top sights: Tunnel of Salvation · Mojmilo · Crkva Sv. Vasilija Ostroškog
Nearby: Sarajevo Stock Exchange (SASE) (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	-1	2	7	12	16	18	18	13	9	4	-1
Rain mm	63	64	69	69	99	103	75	61	77	71	74	73

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Tunnel of Hope museum includes both well-preserved interior spaces and a short, accessible passage of the original tunnel, offering visitors a poignant and authentic experience of the city's long siege.

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Typical hours

The museum is generally open to visitors during regular daytime hours. Exact opening times can vary slightly depending on the season, so planning your visit for the morning or early afternoon is advisable.

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Photography

Photography is usually permitted in the outdoor areas and throughout much of the exhibition, but due to the dim lighting inside the tunnel segment itself, it is best to avoid using a flash to respect the mood.

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Time needed

For a complete tour that includes the house, the informative exhibition, viewing archive footage, and walking through the preserved tunnel segment, you should typically allocate about one to two hours.

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Combine with

The trip combines well with exploring other sites related to Sarajevo's recent history, such as taking a guided tour along the former front lines or visiting Mount Trebević for a broader perspective on the siege.

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Getting there

The museum is located just outside the city center near the airport. Traveling there is most easily accomplished by taking a taxi, joining an organized guided tour, or driving a rental car from the downtown area.

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Insider tip

Since the walkable portion of the tunnel is notably low and narrow, you should wear comfortable walking shoes and be careful to move in a slightly crouched position inside to avoid bumping your head.

Geography

Coordinates

43.82440, 18.33750

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Butmir Archaeological Site<1 km · SWExplore →

Lukavica2 km · SEExplore →

Briješće3 km · NExplore →

East Sarajevo3 km · EExplore →

Ilidža3 km · WExplore →

Krupac Necropolis5 km · SExplore →

Vraca Memorial Park5 km · NEExplore →

Vrelo Bosne5 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Tunnel of Hope (10)

Tunnel of Salvation 🏛 museum

Museum in Sarajevo, commemorating the tunnel under the airport runway during the siege.

🌐 tunelspasa.ba🕒 Jan 1-Mar 31,Nov 1-Dec 31 09:00-16:00; Apr 1-Oct 31 08:30-17💶

Mojmilo

Viewpoint in Sarajevo, overlooking the city and surrounding hills.

Crkva Sv. Vasilija Ostroškog

Orthodox church in Istočno Sarajevo, dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog.

Spomenik Gavrilu Principu

Monument to Gavrilo Princip in Istočno Sarajevo, historical figure.

Narodno pozorište Istočno Sarajevo

Theatre in Istočno Sarajevo, hosting plays and musical performances.

Spomenik porodici

Monument in Istočno Sarajevo, dedicated to the family.

Terme Ilidža

Thermal spa and water park in Ilidža, with indoor and outdoor pools.

Stradaloj djeci Srpskog Sarajeva

Monument in Istočno Sarajevo, commemorating the city's killed children.

Administrativni centar grada Istočno Sarajevo

Town hall of Istočno Sarajevo, seat of the city administration.

Park Sunca🌳 park

Park in Istočno Sarajevo, green space with paths and benches.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the entrance to the tunnel?

The entrance is located in the Butmir district, near the Sarajevo airport.

How much of the original tunnel can be visited?

A section approximately 25 meters long of the tunnel is open to visitors.

Are there fixed opening hours?

The museum is open daily, usually from 09:00 to 16:00 or 17:00.

How much does a ticket cost?

The ticket price is around 10 KM (approx. 5 Euros) for adults.

Is a reservation required?

Individual visitors do not need a reservation, but larger groups should register in advance.

Tunnel of Hope: where is it located?

Tunnel of Hope is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tunnel of Hope: what is there to see?

Highlights include Tunnel of Salvation, Mojmilo, Crkva Sv. Vasilija Ostroškog.

Tunnel of Hope: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Tunnel of Hope: why is it worth visiting?

The "Tunnel of Hope" in Sarajevo (Tunel spasa) is an extraordinary testament to human human will to survive and ingenuity during the cruel four-year siege of the city (1992-1996).

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Tunnel of Hope

Best time to visit & climate