Life Under Siege and the Tunnel of Hope

Tour Overview
Join the Times of Misfortune Tour to uncover the powerful and moving history of Sarajevo during the 1990s Siege of Sarajevo and the fall of Yugoslavia. This 3.5-hour Sarajevo war tour offers a comprehensive look at the siege that tested the city’s spirit, visiting key sites that tell the story of endurance and resilience.

Begin your journey at the Yellow Fortress, where stunning views provide the backdrop for an introduction to the siege’s origins and Sarajevo’s early defense efforts. Pass through historically significant locations such as Sniper Alley and the Sarajevo Maternity Hospital, where medical staff became unsung heroes. The tour culminates at the Tunnel of Hope Museum, an underground passage that symbolized Sarajevo’s survival. This tour is a deep dive into a city’s courage during one of its darkest periods.

Tour Highlights

• Yellow Fortress: Learn about Sarajevo’s defense efforts with panoramic views.
• Sniper Alley: Drive through the city’s most dangerous wartime street.
• Olympic Stadium and Hall Zetra: Discover Sarajevo’s wartime and Olympic history.
• Sarajevo Maternity Hospital: Hear stories of medical staff saving lives in chaos.
• Tunnel of Hope Museum: Visit the lifeline that kept Sarajevo connected and alive.

What You Will Learn

• The broader implications of the fall of Yugoslavia and its impact on Sarajevo’s struggles.
• How the 1990s Siege of Sarajevo forced residents to endure danger and scarcity daily.
• The pivotal role of the Tunnel of Hope in sustaining Sarajevo’s population and spirit.
• Stories of bravery and resilience from citizens, medical staff, and community leaders.
• The history behind Sarajevo’s war-torn landmarks, including Sniper Alley and Markale Market.

What Sets Our Tour Apart?
This tour offers more than a historical recount; it provides a window into the human stories behind the headlines. With passionate local guides, you’ll gain firsthand insights into Sarajevo’s wartime resilience, explore key landmarks, and connect deeply with the city’s legacy of courage. The highlight is the Tunnel of Hope Museum, a living testament to Sarajevo’s ingenuity and determination.

1. Yellow Fortress: Offers breathtaking views and insight into Sarajevo’s wartime defenses.

2. Kovači Cemetery: Reflect at this national memorial honoring Bosnia’s defenders from the 1992-1995 war.

3. City Hall (Pass By): Learn about its role during the war, including its destruction and symbolic restoration

4. Markale City Market (Pass By): Glimpse the bustling marketplace that bore witness to key moments of Sarajevo’s wartime history.

5. Trg Djece Sarajeva (Pass By): Pass through this square, a significant symbol of Sarajevo’s endurance.

6. Presidency Building (Pass By): View the historic seat of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s presidency, pivotal during the war.

7. Sarajevo Maternity Hospital: Learn about the heroic efforts of medical staff during the siege.

8. Olympic Stadium and Hall Zetra: Discover Sarajevo’s dual identity as an Olympic hub and war-torn landscape.

9. Parliament and Holiday Inn Hotel (Pass By): Witness these landmarks tied to wartime journalism and political decisions.

10. Sniper Alley: Drive along the city’s most dangerous street during the siege.

11. Communist Neighborhoods (Pass By): Discover the urban design of Sarajevo’s communist-era suburbs.

12. RTV Dom (TV Building) (Pass By): View the national TV building that broadcasted during key moments of the war.

13. Ilidža (Pass By): Pass through this peaceful suburb with a rich historical backdrop.

14. Tunnel of Hope Museum: Explore the underground passage that symbolized Sarajevo’s survival.

Start time: Every day at 10:30

Duration: 3.5 hours

Private tour: Any time from 08:00 to 14:00 can be selected

Bosnian, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish

*Other languages available upon request.