The Tunnel of Salvation, also called the Tunnel of Hope, is a wartime passage in Sarajevo that the Bosnian Army dug in 1993 during the siege. It ran beneath the airport and linked the besieged city to Bosnian-held territory, so food, supplies and people could move in and out. Today a museum stands in the house where one exit came up, and you can walk a short stretch of the passage. Go for the history and the personal stories that guides often share.
Why the tunnel was built
During the Siege of Sarajevo, the city was cut off by Serbian forces. The Bosnian Army built the tunnel in 1993 as a secret project, over roughly four months. It connected the Dobrinja and Butmir neighbourhoods, and its route passed beneath the airport, an area controlled by the United Nations.
From July 1993 to February 1996, the passage was the only way out of the city. Food, weapons and humanitarian aid came in through it, and people left by it.
Inside the museum
The museum occupies the house whose cellar was the tunnel entrance. Its rooms depict the daily living conditions of people under siege.
Maps and diagrams explain how the passage was dug and used. Footage shows its excavation and operation, alongside war films of active fighting. Photographs show the men who dug it, and the exhibits emphasise how ordinary people supported one another.
Walking the passage
Visitors can walk along a short section of the underground passage, around 20 metres long. The space is narrow, so allow time to move through it at your own pace.
The site is well kept and organised, and the exhibits and historical items are in good condition.
The memorial complex
The site is a memorial complex made up of a museum, memorials and the tunnel itself. Together they present the siege from the side of the civilian population, who endured a long and difficult blockade.
Guides often bring their own family connections to the tunnel into the tour, which gives the visit a personal dimension.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Entry costs 20 BAM per person.
Can I pay by card?
No. Cards and euros are not accepted, so bring cash in BAM.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Getting tickets in advance is recommended.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The site has a wheelchair accessible elevator and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
