Sarajevo: War Tunnel, Sniper Alley & Olympic Bobsleigh Tour

Summary

Stories of siege life Sarajevo’s scars and hope in the hills

You’ll stand above Sarajevo at the Yellow Fortress, walk through part of the War Tunnel Museum (yes, that one), drive down Sniper Alley with stories from someone who lived through it, and wander along Trebević Mountain’s bobsleigh track. Expect raw history mixed with small moments of hope—and maybe a few surprises you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to stand where history actually happened — not just read about it? That thought kept bouncing around my head as our van climbed up towards the Yellow Fortress. The view over Sarajevo is something I can’t really shake off, even now. Our guide, Emir, just let us take it in for a second before he started talking about the siege. You could hear pigeons flapping somewhere behind us and the city below looked peaceful, which felt strange after hearing what happened here. There’s a defenders’ cemetery right there too — white stones lined up so close together. I remember feeling awkward taking photos at first.

Driving past the old Olympic stadiums and that children’s hospital with broken windows still gaping open… it got quiet in the van for a bit. Emir pointed out “Sniper Alley,” and I swear you could almost feel the tension hanging over those streets, even now. Some buildings still have bullet holes — I didn’t expect them to be so visible after all these years. We stopped by the grave of Sarajevo’s own “Romeo and Juliet.” I tried to ask how people managed daily life during all that, but words sort of failed me — Emir just nodded and said, “You find ways.”

The Tunnel of Hope Museum was next. Crawling through that narrow passage (well, okay, only part of it is open now) made me realize how desperate things must’ve been when this was the only way out or in. It smelled damp and metallic inside, like old earth and sweat. There were photos on the wall showing families hauling supplies through here — I caught myself staring at one for too long. After that we headed up Trebević Mountain where you get another wild view over Sarajevo (and honestly, my legs were grateful for a stretch). The old bobsleigh track is covered in graffiti now; kids were riding bikes along it while we walked past.

I think what sticks with me most is how everyone kept moving — literally and otherwise — even when things were impossible. If you’re curious about Sarajevo’s past or just want to understand what people survived here, this day trip from Sarajevo with a local guide will probably stay with you too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sarajevo Siege and War History Tour

• View panorama from Yellow Fortress
• See defenders' cemetery
• Drive around Olympic Complex
• Pass destroyed children's hospital
• Pass grave of Sarajevo Romeo and Juliet
• Pass Stadium Cemetery
• Visit Tunnel of Hope Museum
• Pass through Sniper Alley
• Pass buildings affected by war
• Pass Chapel of Gavrilo Princip
• Visit panoramic point on Trebević Mountain
• See Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track
• Pass former Hotel Holiday Inn

Top questions

How long does the Sarajevo war tour last?

The tour typically lasts half a day, covering multiple sites around Sarajevo including hotel pickup.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from Sarajevo?

Yes, hotel pickup is available if required for this tour.

Do you go inside the Tunnel of Hope Museum?

Yes, visitors enter part of the original tunnel which now functions as a museum.

What places are visited on this Sarajevo Siege tour?

The tour includes Yellow Fortress, Sniper Alley, War Tunnel Museum, Olympic Stadiums, Defenders’ Cemetery, Trebević Mountain bobsleigh track.

Are there guides who share personal experiences?

Yes, local guides lead the tour and often share personal or family stories from Sarajevo during the war.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can use strollers or specialized seats if needed.

Will we see any remains from the 1984 Winter Olympics?

Yes, you’ll visit sites like the Olympic bobsleigh and luge track on Trebević Mountain.

How do I get to the starting point if I don’t have transport?

The tour offers hotel pickup and public transportation options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if needed, bottled water for comfort along the way, entry to museums like the War Tunnel Museum (Tunel Spasa), transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with fuel covered—and an expert local guide who’ll share both facts and lived memories as you travel between sites.