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Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope: A Lifeline Under Siege

Experience Sarajevo's lifeline of hope: Explore the historic Tunnel of Hope, a symbol of resilience during the city's siege.

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The Tunnel of Hope stands as a poignant reminder of Sarajevo's resilience during the Bosnian War. Built in 1993, it provided a crucial lifeline to the besieged city, connecting it to the outside world via a passage under the Sarajevo Airport. Today, a portion is preserved as a museum, offering a glimpse into the tunnel's vital role and the city's struggle for survival.

A brief summary to Tunnel of Hope

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as the ground inside the tunnel can be uneven and require stooping.
  • Consider visiting on a rainy day to enhance the somber atmosphere and reflect on the tunnel's historical context.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit to fully experience the museum and the tunnel.
  • Engage with a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the tunnel's history and the personal stories of those who used it.
  • Be mindful and respectful of the site's historical significance, remembering it as a place of hardship and survival.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central Sarajevo, take tram number 3, 4, or 6 to Ilidža. From Ilidža, board bus number 32 towards Butmir. Get off at Tuneli street and walk to the end of the street where you will find the Tunnel of Hope. Tram tickets cost approximately 1.60 BAM. A bus ticket is roughly the same price.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Sarajevo. A taxi from the city center to the Tunnel of Hope will cost approximately 50 BAM for a round trip, including waiting time. Ensure the driver is aware of the destination and agree on the fare beforehand.

  • Car

    From Sarajevo, follow the M5/E761 towards Ilidža and then follow signs for the Sarajevo International Airport. The Tunnel of Hope is located close to the airport, in the Butmir neighborhood. Limited parking is available near the museum. Parking is typically free.

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Discover more about Tunnel of Hope

The Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope, also known as Tunnel of Salvation, is a symbol of the city's endurance during the Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996). With the city cut off by the Army of Republika Srpska, the Bosnian Army constructed this clandestine passage between March and June 1993. Codenamed "Objekt BD," the 800-meter tunnel linked the neighborhoods of Butmir and Dobrinja, which were controlled by Bosnian forces, on either side of the Sarajevo Airport, which was under United Nations control. The tunnel, barely a meter wide and 1.6 meters high, became the city's lifeline. It provided a conduit for essential supplies, including food, fuel, medicine, and weapons, as well as communication lines and electricity. It was dug by hand, with workers toiling in shifts, using pickaxes and shovels, and lit by makeshift oil lamps. Beyond supplies, the tunnel offered a passage for people. Soldiers, civilians, dignitaries, and the injured all traversed the narrow passage, with an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people and 30 tons of goods moving through it daily. The tunnel even had a small railway to transport goods more easily. Today, a portion of the tunnel and the house used as its entrance have been preserved as a museum. Visitors can walk through a section of the tunnel, view exhibits of wartime photographs and artifacts, and learn about the tunnel's construction, use, and significance through a documentary film and guided tours. The museum stands as a testament to the ingenuity, courage, and resilience of the people of Sarajevo during a brutal period in their history.

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