Zagreb: WWII Tunnels & Homeland War Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Walk Zagreb’s hidden tunnels, hear war stories, feel history under your feet

You’ll walk through Zagreb’s WWII tunnels with a local guide who shares personal stories and history that feels alive. Explore an authentic basement shelter used during bombings, see multimedia exhibits on the Croatian Homeland War, and get honest answers to questions you didn’t know you had. It’s raw at times but unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air in the Gric Tunnel to smell so cold and earthy — almost metallic. Our guide, Marko, waved us inside from Ban Jelacic Square with this easy grin, like he’d done it a thousand times but still cared if we were nervous. I was. The city above was noisy with trams and chatter, but down there it felt like time had gone sideways. Marko started telling us about how his own grandparents hid here during bombings — he laughed at my wide-eyed look and said, “Yeah, everyone’s got a tunnel story in Zagreb.”

The walls are rough concrete, and you can run your hand along them (I did — dust sticks to your fingers). There was this moment when he flicked off his flashlight for just a second. Total dark. Someone behind me whispered something in Croatian; I have no idea what it meant but it sounded like a prayer or maybe just nerves. He explained how these tunnels were used during WWII and then again during the Homeland War in the ‘90s. The way he described Tito — “complicated guy, not just a moustache” — made everyone laugh.

We ended up in an old basement that still smells faintly of damp stone and cigarette smoke from decades ago (Marko said that’s probably true). There’s a multimedia exhibition about the Croatian Homeland War — videos, photos, things people left behind. It’s not flashy but it hits you hard. I caught myself staring at some old army boots behind glass for too long; something about them just stuck with me.

Honestly, I thought I knew a bit about Croatia before this tour but hearing real stories — not just dates or politics — changed how I see the place. If you want to understand Zagreb beyond the pretty squares and coffee bars, this is where you start.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Zagreb's war history and exhibitions

• Meet at Ban Jelacic Square
• Visit WW2 underground tunnels
• Learn about communist era in Zagreb
• Visit bombing shelter multimedia exhibition

Top questions

What time does the Communism & Croatian Homeland War Tour start?

The tour starts at 3pm Monday to Saturday and 11am on Sundays.

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

The meeting point is Ban Jelacic Square in central Zagreb.

Are the WWII tunnels always included?

No, access to the tunnels isn’t possible during public events or Christmas Market periods.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

How long does it take to walk between stops?

The locations are close together within central Zagreb; walking distances are short.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Ban Jelacic Square.

Is this tour suitable for people with poor cardiovascular health?

No, it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Zagreb’s WWII underground tunnels (unless closed for events), access to a multimedia presentation on the Croatian Homeland War inside an authentic basement shelter once used during bombings, plus all guiding by a certified local expert who has led over 500 tours—so you’re in good hands from start to finish.