Things to Do in Tunnel of Hope

An 800-meter tunnel saved Sarajevo. Built under the airport runway during the 1992-1996 siege, this underground passage smuggled food, medicine, weapons, and people past Serbian forces surrounding the city. What makes the Tunnel of Hope compelling isn't just wartime significance—it shows how ordinary people survive extraordinary circumstances. The museum sits in the Kolar family home where the original entrance remains. You walk through actual history. The space feels surprisingly intimate, displaying artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that explain the siege and broader Bosnian War context.

Limited dining at the museum itself. Small café serves basic refreshments and traditional Bosnian coffee. Most visitors eat before or after in central Sarajevo—the nearby Ilidza area has several local restaurants with authentic Bosnian food, including excellent cevapi and burek. Traditional restaurants along the route back to downtown offer hearty meals that feel right after such a serious historical experience. Many visitors find sharing a meal helps process the tunnel's impact.

Spring through early fall offers the most comfortable experience. Summer brings the highest visitor numbers, especially tour groups. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be more contemplative—the tunnel feels more cramped when crowded, so timing matters for emotional impact. Winter visits work fine and feel quite atmospheric, though the memorial garden loses some appeal. Weather rarely affects indoor portions.