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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 siege in the Bosnian War.

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The Tunnel of Hope is a poignant reminder of Sarajevo's resilience during the Bosnian War. Built in secret between March and June 1993, it provided a crucial link to the outside world during the city's siege. Today, visitors can explore a portion of the tunnel and learn about its vital role in supplying the city with necessities and hope.

A brief summary to Tunnel of Hope

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ground in the preserved section of the tunnel.
  • Consider visiting on a rainy day to enhance the somber atmosphere and reflect on the tunnel's historical context.
  • Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit to fully experience the museum and watch the informative film.
  • The museum only accepts cash in Bosnian KM, so plan accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take tram number 3, 4, or 6 to Ilidža. From Ilidža, board bus number 32 towards Butmir. Get off at the Tuneli stop. Walk down Tuneli Street to the museum entrance. Tram tickets cost approximately 1.60 BAM, and bus tickets are around 1.60 BAM. The bus runs every 15-30 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Sarajevo. A taxi ride from the city center to the Tunnel of Hope costs approximately 40-50 BAM. The journey takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi services may offer a round trip with waiting time. Ensure the taxi is licensed and agree on the fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Tunnel of Hope

During the Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996), the Tunnel of Hope, also known as the Sarajevo War Tunnel, became the city's lifeline. Facing relentless attacks and cut off from essential supplies, the residents of Sarajevo embarked on a clandestine project to construct a tunnel beneath the Sarajevo Airport, which was under United Nations control. The tunnel, also referred to as the Tunnel of Salvation, connected the besieged city with Bosnian-held territory, linking the Butmir and Dobrinja neighborhoods. It was a grueling endeavor, dug by hand with pickaxes and shovels, often in the dark and under constant threat. The 800-meter-long passage, approximately 1 meter wide and 1.5 meters high, took around six months to complete. The Tunnel of Hope was more than just a physical link; it was a symbol of resistance and survival. It allowed for the transport of food, fuel, medicine, weapons, and other essential goods into the city, while also enabling people to escape. The tunnel even had a small railway track for easier transport. Today, a portion of the tunnel has been preserved as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the hardships endured during the siege and the ingenuity that kept Sarajevo alive.

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