During the Bosnian War, Sarajevo found itself in a desperate situation as the city center was besieged for years. However, a remarkable secret passageway, known as the War Tunnel or the ‘Tunnel of Life,’ became a vital lifeline for the city’s survival. Dug by hand, this nearly mile-long underground route connected the heart of Sarajevo to the free territory beyond, enabling the delivery of essential supplies and the evacuation of civilians. The story of this remarkable feat of human resilience and determination is one that continues to captivate all who learn of it.

Key Points

WAR TUNNEL - Sarajevos Only Way of a Communication During the WAR - Top Secret - Key Points

  • The War Tunnel, also known as the ‘Tunnel of Life,’ served as the only communication route for Sarajevo during the Bosnian War.
  • Spanning nearly a mile, the tunnel was dug by hand and connected the city center to free territory across Sarajevo airport.
  • The tunnel was crucial for the survival of Sarajevo’s citizens, enabling the delivery of supplies and the evacuation of civilians.
  • The tunnel symbolized the resilience and determination of the Bosnian people during the longest siege in modern history.
  • Today, the well-preserved tunnel and its original artifacts offer visitors an educational and poignant insight into the city’s wartime experience.

Overview of the War Tunnel

WAR TUNNEL - Sarajevos Only Way of a Communication During the WAR - Top Secret - Overview of the War Tunnel

Built during the Bosnian War, the War Tunnel in Sarajevo served as a vital lifeline, providing the city’s only means of communication and transportation when it was besieged by Bosnian Serb forces.

Known as the ‘Tunnel of Life,’ this underground passage was a top-secret operation, shielding Sarajevo’s residents from the outside world.

Stretching nearly a mile, the tunnel connected the city center to the free territory on the other side of the Sarajevo Airport, allowing for the delivery of supplies and the evacuation of civilians.

This ingenious engineering feat played a crucial role in Sarajevo’s survival, becoming a symbol of the city’s resilience and determination during the darkest days of the conflict.

Location and Significance

WAR TUNNEL - Sarajevos Only Way of a Communication During the WAR - Top Secret - Location and Significance

The War Tunnel is located in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and served as the only communication route during the Bosnian War when the city was besieged by Bosnian Serb forces.

Measuring 800 meters long, the tunnel was dug by hand and connected the city center to the free territory on the other side of the Sarajevo airport, which was controlled by the Bosnian government.

This top-secret passage was the lifeline of the city, allowing supplies, humanitarian aid, and people to pass through while the city was cut off from the outside world.

The tunnel played a vital role in Sarajevo’s survival during the longest siege in modern history, which lasted nearly four years.

Entrance Tickets and Inclusions

WAR TUNNEL - Sarajevos Only Way of a Communication During the WAR - Top Secret - Entrance Tickets and Inclusions

Purchasing entrance tickets to the War Tunnel offers visitors a chance to explore this historic site, which includes bottled water, a licensed tour guide, a professional driver, and modern transportation with hotel pick-up and drop-off services.

The entrance tickets are priced at 15 BAM, providing excellent value for the immersive experience. Reviewers have praised the tour, with an impressive 5.0 average rating from 11 total reviews.

The comprehensive inclusions ensure a seamless and informative journey through this remarkable piece of Sarajevo’s history. Whether you’re seeking an educational adventure or a unique cultural experience, the War Tunnel tour delivers an exceptional value proposition for travelers.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Visitors can conveniently meet at the designated meeting point of Gazi Husrev-begova 75 in Sarajevo 71000 or arrange for pickup at their hotel or other location.

Once gathered, the tour group will be transported to the historic War Tunnel in a modern, comfortable vehicle with a professional driver. At the end of the tour, you will be returned to the original meeting point.

The meeting and pickup details for this tour include:

  • Pickup available at guest location or meeting point

  • Convenient meeting point at Gazi Husrev-begova 75, Sarajevo 71000

  • End point returns to the initial meeting location

  • Transportation provided in a modern vehicle with a professional driver

  • Tour concludes with drop-off at the starting point

Operating Hours and Booking

WAR TUNNEL - Sarajevos Only Way of a Communication During the WAR - Top Secret - Operating Hours and Booking

Monday through Friday, the War Tunnel tour operates from 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM, while on Saturdays, the hours are shortened to 09:00 AM to 02:30 PM. On Sundays, the tour resumes its regular schedule of 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM. Booking for the experience is available, with confirmation received upon reservation and a maximum capacity of 8 travelers.

Operating Hours Monday – Friday Saturday Sunday
Start Time 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM
End Time 5:30 PM 2:30 PM 5:30 PM
Booking Confirmation Max. 8 Travelers

Visitors are encouraged to book their War Tunnel tour in advance to secure their spot and enjoy this unique historical experience.

Accessibility and Policies

WAR TUNNEL - Sarajevos Only Way of a Communication During the WAR - Top Secret - Accessibility and Policies

The War Tunnel tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes strollers, with nearby public transportation options available. Infant seats can also be provided upon request.

Travelers may cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts free of charge, and they can reserve now and pay later while enjoying the lowest price guarantee.

Key accessibility and policy features of the War Tunnel tour include:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before experience

Visitors can explore this historical landmark with peace of mind, knowing that their needs will be accommodated and their booking is flexible.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have raved about the War Tunnel tour, with 11 total reviews and a perfect 5.0 average rating.

Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable licensed tour guides who bring the tunnel’s history to life. They’re impressed by the modern vehicles and the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Many highlight the sobering yet fascinating experience of exploring the wartime escape route. Reviewers note the well-preserved condition of the tunnel and appreciate the included bottled water.

Highlights of the Experience

WAR TUNNEL - Sarajevos Only Way of a Communication During the WAR - Top Secret - Highlights of the Experience

Visitors embark on a captivating journey through the War Tunnel, a vital lifeline that provided Sarajevo’s sole communication route during the Bosnian War. This top-secret underground passage offers a glimpse into the city’s resilience and ingenuity.

The highlights of the experience include:

  • Exploring the narrow, dimly-lit passage that was the only connection between the besieged city and the outside world.

  • Learning about the tunnel’s construction and the challenges faced by those who operated it.

  • Seeing the original artifacts and equipment used to transport supplies and people through the tunnel.

  • Gaining a deeper understanding of the Bosnian War and the role this remarkable structure played in the city’s survival.

  • Reflecting on the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity in the face of immense hardship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Duration of the Tour?

The tour’s average duration is not provided in the given knowledge. However, the operating hours indicate the tour runs from 9 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 2:30 PM on Saturdays, suggesting a typical tour length of several hours.

Can Children Under a Certain Age Attend the Tour for Free?

Children under 10 years old can attend the War Tunnel tour for free when accompanied by a paying adult. This family-friendly experience includes bottled water, a licensed guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are allowed during the War Tunnel tour. Visitors can capture memories of this historic site, though guides may request discretion in sensitive areas. Reasonable photography is generally permitted throughout the experience.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Ticket Price?

According to the information provided, the ticket price of 15 BAM includes bottled water, a licensed tour guide, a professional driver, a modern vehicle, and hotel pick-up/drop-off. There don’t appear to be any additional fees or taxes not included in the ticket price.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required to Book the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the tour for themselves or with their own group, as the maximum group size is 8 people according to the provided information.

Recap

The War Tunnel stands as a poignant symbol of Sarajevo’s resilience during the Bosnian War.

Dug by hand, this vital passage enabled the delivery of essential supplies and the evacuation of civilians, underscoring the human spirit’s capacity to endure adversity.

Visitors can explore this historic site, gaining insights into the city’s struggles and the courage of its people.