Sarajevo Tunnel (Tunnel of Hope) | Sarajevo

The Sarajevo Tunnel, also known as the Tunnel of Hope (Tunel spasa), is a historic underground passage constructed between March and June 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo. It served as the primary lifeline connecting the blockaded city to the outside world.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial site consists of the preserved Kolar family house, which served as the tunnel's southern entrance. The structure retains visible damage from shelling.

The Tunnel: A narrow, low passage approximately 1.5 meters high and 1 meter wide. The original walls are reinforced with wood or iron.

The Museum: Features a collection of original tools (shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows), uniforms, military equipment, and a small section of the narrow-gauge railway track used to transport supplies.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Tuneli 1, Ilidža – Donji Kotorac.

Transport: Located approximately 12km southwest of the city center, near Sarajevo International Airport.

Tram/Bus: Take Tram Line 3 to the Ilidža terminus, then Bus 32A to Donji Kotorac.

Taxi: The most direct method from the city center (approx. 20-minute drive).

Entry: Open daily. Regular tickets cost approximately 20 KM (~10 EUR); student discounts are available. Cash (BAM/KM) is often required as credit cards may not be accepted at the gate.

Historical Context

During the 1,425-day siege, Sarajevo was entirely surrounded by the Army of Republika Srpska. The only non-occupied gap was the UN-controlled airport runway, which was suicidal to cross.

Construction: Digging began in secret from both ends (Dobrinja and Butmir) under the code name "Objekt BD." It was excavated entirely by hand by soldiers and civilians working in 8-hour shifts.

Function: Upon completion, the 800-meter tunnel allowed for the transfer of food, fuel, weapons, and wounded people. It also housed the first pipeline for oil and telecommunication cables connecting the city to the world.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Preserved Section: Visitors can walk through a 25-meter original section and approximately 100 meters of restored tunnel to experience the cramped, damp conditions.

Documentary Film: A short film featuring original wartime footage of the tunnel's construction and use is shown continuously in the museum's audiovisual room.

Minefield Display: The garden area contains a demonstration of the types of landmines used during the conflict.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site includes a souvenir shop and small visitor center. 5G/4G cellular coverage is consistent at the surface but drops within the tunnel. Public restrooms are available. The tunnel section is low and can be damp; sturdy footwear is recommended.

Best Time to Visit

Photography: Early morning provides soft light for the external ruins and memorial monuments.

Season: April to October offers extended opening hours.

Crowds: Aim for early morning to avoid large tour groups, as the tunnel interior is restricted to single-file passage.

Facts & Legends

The tunnel was high enough only for people to hunch through, yet it is estimated that over 1 million people and 20 million tons of food passed through it. One of the most famous users was President Alija Izetbegović, who was transported through the tunnel in a specialized chair.

Nearby Landmarks

Sarajevo International Airport – 0.5km North

Vrelo Bosne (Spring of Bosna River) – 6km West

Ilidža Spa District – 4km Northwest

Mount Igman – 15km Southwest