Sarajevo: A Siege Story – The Tunnel of Hope Experience

If you’re looking to understand Sarajevo’s recent history beyond the textbook, the Sarajevo: A Siege Story – The Tunnel of Hope Experience offers a compelling, heartfelt glimpse into a city that refused to give up. This 3.5-hour tour takes you through the key locations that shaped the resilience and courage of Sarajevo’s residents during the 1990s siege. It’s not just about ticking off landmarks — it’s about connecting with stories of survival, hope, and human spirit.

What makes this tour stand out are its insightful guides, the powerful storytelling, and the chance to see real remnants of one of Europe’s most intense conflicts. We love how it mixes panoramic views, historical landmarks, and personal stories that bring history to life. It’s perfect for history buffs, those interested in the Balkans, or anyone wanting a meaningful, emotional experience.

A possible consideration? The tour involves some driving and walking, and the entrance fee for the Tunnel of Hope Museum isn’t included, which adds a small extra cost. But for the depth of understanding you gain, many find it well worth the price.

This experience is ideal if you’re seeking an authentic, human-centered perspective on Sarajevo’s wartime resilience — it’s both educational and deeply moving. If you want to grasp how Sarajevo endured and thrived through hardship, this tour offers an enlightening journey.

Good To Know

• Authentic Stories: Guides share personal and historical accounts that deepen understanding.
• Historical Landmarks: Visit sites like Sniper Alley, the Olympic Stadium, and the Sarajevo Tunnel.
• Panoramic Views: The Yellow Fortress offers stunning vistas of Sarajevo.
• Emotional Connection: The tour highlights the city’s endurance and spirit, making it more than just sightseeing.
• Small Group Experience: Personalized attention and the chance for questions.
• Additional Costs: Entry to the Tunnel Museum is extra, costing around 10.50 EUR per adult.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Sarajevo Siege Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at Zelenih beretki 30, across from the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand — a fitting location to start unraveling Sarajevo’s complex history. The use of modern transportation makes this a comfortable journey, especially given the variety of sites to cover in just a few hours. Expect a small group, often with a dedicated guide, making the experience intimate enough to ask questions and get personalized insights.

Visiting the Yellow Fortress

The first stop at the Yellow Fortress provides more than just a pretty view. From here, you’ll learn about Sarajevo’s early defense efforts and the city’s strategic importance. The panoramic views are breathtaking and serve as a great backdrop for photographs. Several reviews highlight the value of this spot — “You get an impression of the Sniper Alley,” one traveler notes, recalling the intense sniper fire targeting the city from surrounding hills.

Sniper Alley and its Stories

Driving through Sniper Alley is a sobering experience. This was the most dangerous street during the siege, targeted relentlessly by Serbian snipers and artillery. One reviewer describes this part as “places we only saw on TV,” emphasizing how impactful it is to witness the actual site. Guides explain the significance of this route and its impact on civilians, helping visitors understand the daily dangers faced by residents.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Sarajevo Maternity Hospital

A poignant stop is the Sarajevo Maternity Hospital, where medical staff heroically kept delivering babies amid chaos. The stories shared here reveal the resilience of medical workers and the city’s efforts to maintain some semblance of normal life. It’s a reminder that despite the violence, life persisted.

Olympic Stadium and Hall Zetra

Sarajevo’s Olympic history gets a mention as well — the city hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, an event that seems at odds with its wartime suffering. The Olympic Stadium and Hall Zetra illustrate how Sarajevo was once a symbol of international unity and peace before the conflict. The brevity of this stop means you’ll just get a quick glance, but it’s enough to appreciate the Olympic legacy.

The Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope

The highlight is undoubtedly the Tunnel of Hope Museum. This underground passage was the lifeline for Sarajevo during the siege, connecting the city to the outside world by allowing supplies and aid to flow in. Visitors can walk through a reconstructed section of the tunnel and see how it was built in dire circumstances. One reviewer recalls crossing the 25-meter tunnel, emphasizing the ingenuity and perseverance behind it. Entry costs around 20 BAM (10.50 EUR), which is a small price for such an insightful experience.

Nearby Landmarks and Passing Views

The tour also passes by the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the History Museum, offering a quick glimpse of Sarajevo’s broader cultural fabric. Stops at Grbavica, a neighborhood deeply affected by the conflict, deepen the emotional connection to Sarajevo’s story.

Final Reflection

The tour wraps up back at Zelenih beretki 30, leaving travelers with a comprehensive understanding of Sarajevo’s wartime resilience and ongoing recovery. Guides like Nermin, who survived the siege himself, are often praised as “excellent,” sharing firsthand stories that resonate deeply.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

The value of this tour lies in its combination of storytelling, site visits, and the chance to see firsthand what Sarajevo endured. The small group format ensures personalized attention, and the knowledgeable guides turn history into personal stories, making it more relatable. The stunning views from the Yellow Fortress and the emotional weight of the Tunnel of Hope leave lasting impressions.

Though the entrance fee for the Tunnel Museum is extra, many reviews point out that the experience is well worth the supplement. The tour’s duration respects your time while providing enough depth to truly understand Sarajevo’s wartime story. Plus, the flexibility of private or small group options means you can tailor the experience to your interests.

What We Loved

• The guides’ firsthand knowledge and ability to answer questions in detail.
• The powerful storytelling that humanizes the history.
• The spectacular views from the Yellow Fortress that help contextualize the city’s strategic importance.
• The chance to walk through the actual Tunnel of Hope — a symbol of perseverance.

Possible Drawbacks

• The tour involves some driving and walking, which might not suit those with mobility issues.
• The entrance fee for the museum is an added expense, though many find it justified by the experience.
• Because it covers a lot of ground in a short time, some sites are seen briefly rather than explored in depth.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is a fantastic choice for history enthusiasts, students of the Balkans, or anyone wanting a personal perspective on Sarajevo’s recent past. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy guided storytelling and are comfortable with a mix of driving and walking.

It’s also a good option if you’re short on time but want a rundown of Sarajevo’s wartime history. However, it might not be ideal for those with mobility challenges or those seeking a more leisurely, museum-focused experience.

FAQs about the Sarajevo Siege Tour

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is educational and not overly physical, the emotional weight of some stories and sites might be intense for very young children. It’s best suited for older kids or teenagers interested in history.

How long does each stop last?
Most stops are brief, with the Yellow Fortress offering about 15 minutes for photos and explanations, and the Tunnel of Hope Museum allowing approximately an hour for exploration.

Are there options for private tours?
Yes, private or small group options are available, allowing for more personalized attention and flexibility.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially since there’s walking involved. Pets and backpacks are not allowed on the tour.

Is the entrance fee for the Tunnel Museum included?
No, the entry fee of around 20 BAM (10.50 EUR) per person is paid separately.

How accessible is the tour?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, as some sites involve walking and uneven surfaces.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind when booking.

Final Thoughts

The Sarajevo: A Siege Story – The Tunnel of Hope Experience offers a compelling, human-focused look at a city that faced incredible adversity. It’s more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s a chance to understand resilience, courage, and the enduring spirit of Sarajevo’s people.

For those interested in history, seeking authentic stories, or wanting a meaningful connection to Sarajevo’s recent past, this tour delivers in spades. The combination of knowledgeable guides, emotional landmarks, and breathtaking views makes it a worthwhile addition to any Bosnia and Herzegovina itinerary.

If you’re ready to walk through history and see the city’s scars and hopes firsthand, this tour will leave you both inspired and informed. It’s a powerful reminder of how even in the darkest times, hope can endure.

You can check if your dates are available here: