Things to Do in War Tunnel Museum, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина

The War Tunnel Museum, located in the Butmir neighborhood of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, stands as one of the most significant and moving historical sites in the Balkans. Built during the brutal Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996), this 800-meter underground tunnel served as the city's lifeline, connecting the besieged Sarajevo to the free territory and enabling the flow of food, medicine, weapons, and people. Today, visitors can walk through a preserved 20-meter section of the original tunnel and explore the museum housed in the Kolar family home, where the tunnel entrance was located. The museum offers a profound and emotional journey through one of the darkest chapters in recent European history. Through authentic artifacts, photographs, documentaries, and personal testimonies, visitors gain insight into the daily struggle for survival during the longest siege in modern warfare history. The experience provides crucial context for understanding the Bosnian War and its lasting impact on the region, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking to comprehend the complex history of the former Yugoslavia.

Top Things to Do in War Tunnel Museum

Explore the Original Tunnel

Walk through the preserved 20-meter section of the actual tunnel that saved Sarajevo during the siege. The narrow, low-ceiling passage gives visitors a visceral understanding of the conditions faced by those who risked their lives to keep the city supplied. Information panels along the way explain the tunnel's construction and operation.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost around 15 BAM (8 EUR) for adults. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Book guided tours in advance during summer months, and allow 1-2 hours for the full experience.

Visit the Museum Exhibition

The museum housed in the Kolar family home displays original artifacts, weapons, photographs, and personal items from the siege period. Interactive exhibits and documentary films provide comprehensive context about the Bosnian War and the tunnel's crucial role in the city's survival. The family's personal story adds an intimate dimension to the historical narrative.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is included with tunnel tickets. Audio guides available in multiple languages for 5 BAM extra. Photography inside is permitted but flash is prohibited to preserve artifacts.

Take a Siege of Sarajevo City Tour

Combine your tunnel visit with a comprehensive city tour covering other siege-related sites including Sniper Alley, the Holiday Inn, and various memorial sites. These tours provide broader context about the war's impact on daily life and the city's remarkable resilience and recovery.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost 50-80 BAM per person. Look for local guides who lived through the siege for authentic perspectives. Tours run year-round but book ahead in peak season (June-September).

Explore Sarajevo's Old Town

After the emotional tunnel experience, explore Baščaršija, Sarajevo's Ottoman-era old town with its traditional crafts, coffee houses, and the famous Sebilj fountain. The contrast between the war sites and this vibrant cultural heart of the city illustrates Sarajevo's remarkable recovery and enduring spirit.

Booking Tip: Walking tours of the old town cost 20-30 BAM. Best experienced in late afternoon when shops are open and locals gather for coffee. Try traditional Bosnian coffee and ćevapi for authentic cultural immersion.

Visit Additional War Memorial Sites

Extend your historical understanding by visiting the Srebrenica Gallery, War Crimes Museum, or the Sarajevo Roses - mortar shell scars filled with red resin marking civilian casualties. These sites provide additional layers to understanding the conflict's complexity and human cost.

Booking Tip: Most memorial sites have free or low-cost entry (5-10 BAM). Plan a full day to visit multiple sites without rushing. Some locations require advance booking for guided tours, especially for larger groups.

Getting There

The War Tunnel Museum is located about 10 kilometers southwest of Sarajevo's city center in the Butmir neighborhood, near Sarajevo International Airport. Visitors can reach the museum by taxi (20-30 BAM from city center, 15-20 minutes), rental car, or organized tour. Public transportation options include bus lines that connect to the area, though a taxi or tour is more convenient. Many visitors combine the tunnel visit with airport transfers since the location is very close to the airport.

Getting Around

Within the museum complex, everything is walkable as the site covers a relatively small area around the Kolar family house and tunnel entrance. The museum provides clear signage in multiple languages. For exploring other Sarajevo war sites, taxis are affordable and convenient, while the city center is easily walkable. Trams and buses serve most areas of Sarajevo efficiently and cost only 1.80 BAM per ride. Many visitors find organized tours the most practical way to visit multiple war-related sites in one day.

Where to Stay

Baščaršija (Old Town)

Marijin Dvor (City Center)

Novo Sarajevo

Ilidža

Grbavica

Čengić Vila

Food & Dining

Sarajevo's food scene reflects its multicultural heritage with Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences. Traditional Bosnian cuisine features ćevapi (grilled meat sausages), burek (flaky pastry with meat or cheese), and dolma (stuffed vegetables). The city is famous for its coffee culture - Bosnian coffee is served in traditional copper sets and should be savored slowly. For authentic experiences, try local restaurants in Baščaršija or newer establishments in Marijin Dvor. Many restaurants near the tunnel museum cater to tourists but maintain good quality, and several offer traditional meals that provide cultural context to complement the historical visit.

When to Visit

The War Tunnel Museum can be visited year-round, but the best time is from April to October when weather is mild and daylight hours are longer. Summer months (June-August) see the most visitors, so expect crowds but also the most tour options and longest opening hours. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Winter visits are possible but dress warmly as the tunnel can be quite cold, and some outdoor areas may be less accessible. The museum's indoor exhibits make it a good rainy-day activity regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Bring warm clothing even in summer as the tunnel maintains a cool temperature year-round and can feel quite cold during the walk-through

Photography is allowed but be respectful - this is a memorial site where many people lost their lives, so maintain appropriate solemnity during your visit

Consider hiring a local guide who lived through the siege for the most authentic and moving experience - their personal stories add invaluable context that you won't get from guidebooks alone

Things to Do in War Tunnel Museum