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Tunnel of Hope: Sarajevo's Lifeline

Discover Sarajevo's Tunnel of Hope: A symbol of resilience and survival during the city's longest siege.

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The Tunnel of Hope is a poignant war museum in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, that tells the story of the city's resilience during the Bosnian War. Built in 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo, the 800-meter tunnel served as a lifeline, connecting the besieged city to the outside world, providing essential supplies, and enabling passage for people.

A brief summary to Tunnel of Hope

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience in the museum.
  • Engage with the museum staff for deeper insights and personal stories related to the exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a guided tour of Sarajevo to learn more about the city's history and the context of the siege.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking through a section of the original tunnel.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take tram number 3, 4, or 6 to the last stop in Ilidža. From there, transfer to bus number 32 towards Butmir. Get off at Tuneli Street and walk to the end of the street where the museum is located. The bus runs every 15 to 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends. A single tram or bus fare costs around 1.60 BAM.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Sarajevo. A taxi ride from the city center to the Tunnel of Hope typically costs around 30 BAM to 50 BAM. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey. The ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Car

    If driving from the center of Sarajevo, follow the M5 highway towards Ilidža. Continue onto the BA1, following signs for the Tunnel of Hope. The tunnel is located on Tuneli Street. Parking is available near the museum entrance. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Tunnel of Hope

The Tunnel of Hope stands as a powerful symbol of Sarajevo's endurance during the brutal siege of the city from 1992 to 1996. During the Siege of Sarajevo, the longest siege of a capital city in modern history, the city was cut off from essential supplies and contact with the outside world. In response, the Bosnian Army secretly constructed an 800-meter-long tunnel beneath the Sarajevo Airport, connecting the neighborhoods of Dobrinja and Butmir. The tunnel, known as the Tunnel of Hope (Tunel Spasa), became a vital artery for the city. It was used to transport food, medicine, weapons, and other necessities, as well as to facilitate the movement of people in and out of Sarajevo. The tunnel was a clandestine operation, dug by hand with limited tools, and it operated under constant threat of discovery and shelling. Today, a portion of the tunnel has been preserved as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into this remarkable feat of engineering and human resilience. The museum features exhibits with photographs, videos, and artifacts that document the construction and use of the tunnel, as well as personal stories from those who lived through the siege. Visitors can walk through a section of the tunnel, experiencing firsthand the cramped and challenging conditions. The Tunnel of Hope is more than just a historical site; it is a testament to the courage, ingenuity, and determination of the people of Sarajevo to survive in the face of unimaginable hardship.

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