Zeljava Airbase Tour Frequently Asked Questions

A tour is the best way to explore Zeljava Airbase safely. Guided tours help you navigate the dark tunnels and complex structures with confidence, so you can relax and fully enjoy the experience. Guides share fascinating stories about the airbase’s construction, its strategic role during the Cold War, and its part in the Yugoslav Wars. Personal anecdotes and insights from former personnel make the visit unique, interactive, and educational, allowing you to truly understand the history and significance of this remarkable site.

Tours of Zeljava Airbase run daily, with multiple departures each day during the summer period. Typical start times are 9:00 am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7:00 pm. Advance reservation is recommended to secure your spot. Each tour lasts approximately 2 hours, but tours can be shorter or longer on request.

Public tours are usually small, with 4–6 people per group and a maximum of around 15. Private tours are also available for individuals, families, or small groups who want a more personalized visit.
Larger groups of 10–50 people must book a private tour to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Tours are conducted primarily in English, with Croatian available on request.

A guide will only be at the meeting point if a reservation has already been made. Because of this, it’s not recommended to just show up without booking. To ensure a tour is available, you should make a reservation in advance or contact us to check availability for your desired time.

You can book a tour directly on our website for the best rates and availability.
Tours can also be arranged by contacting us via email, WhatsApp, or Viber.
Additionally, tours are listed on platforms like Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide, and Airbnb, though prices there may be higher due to platform fees.

While visiting Zeljava Airbase, safety is important to keep in mind. Inside the tunnels, be careful of potential holes and metal debris. Outside, the area was previously affected by land mines. Although the site has been cleared, it’s still recommended to stay on hard surfaces and marked paths to ensure a safe visit.

Yes, visiting Zeljava Airbase is safe and allowed, but all visits take place from the Croatian side. The airbase is very close to the Bosnian border, so it’s important not to cross the border during your visit. Please note that Bosnia is not part of the EU, so if your phone connects to a Bosnian network, roaming charges may apply.

There is no radiation present at Zeljava Airbase, so the site is safe in that regard. Some areas may have dust, moisture, or mold, but for most visitors, especially on a one-time tour, it is generally safe. Face masks are available upon request.

Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing, as even in summer it can be chilly inside the tunnels. You can bring a camera to capture your experience—photography is allowed throughout the airbase. Flashlights are provided on the tour, so you don’t need to bring your own, but you can bring water or any personal items you may need for the 2-hour visit.

Yes, there are some restrictions to ensure safety. The tour is not suitable for young children or anyone with claustrophobia, due to the underground tunnels and enclosed spaces. The airbase is not wheelchair accessible, and pets are not allowed on public tours.

No, the tour is not physically demanding. It takes place mostly on flat surfaces and is conducted at a slow pace, making it suitable for visitors of all fitness levels.

To reach Željava Air Base, start from Ličko Petrovo Selo, a small village in Croatia. Follow these steps:

1. Locate the Turn for Željava Village: From Ličko Petrovo Selo, find the road opposite Hotel Lyra leading to Željava village.

2. Drive to the Douglas C-47 Dakota Junction: Follow the road for 3.5 km until you reach a junction with a Douglas C-47 Dakota airplane displayed on your right. This landmark confirms you’re on the correct route.

3. Choose Your Path to the Tunnels: From the Douglas C-47 Dakota junction, you have two options to reach the tunnels:

   Option 3A: Via Runways 4, 1, and 3

   • Turn left (do not head toward the airplane) and drive 2 km.

   • At the junction, turn right to reach Runway 4.

   • Follow Runway 4 directly to the tunnel entrances.

   • Alternatively, after 500 m on Runway 4, turn left onto the service road to reach Runway 1. Follow Runway 1 to its end, then turn right onto the service road to access Runway 3. Following Runway 3 leads directly to tunnel entrances 1, 2, and 3.

   Option 3B: Via Former Military Base Entrance/Village road

   • Take the road passing the airplane and turn left through the former military base entrance gates.

   • Drive 3 km to reach the runway intersection, where tunnel entrances 1, 2, and 3 are located on your right.

   • Tunnel entrance 4 is 750 meters further toward the Bosnia and Herzegovina border.

• Documentation: Croatian border police may patrol near entrance 4, close to the Bosnia-Herzegovina border. Carry a valid photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) to avoid issues. Entrances 1, 2, and 3 typically do not require documentation checks.

• Safety Precautions: The abandoned tunnels are dark and hazardous. Bring a flashlight, wear sturdy shoes, and explore cautiously.

• Respect the Site: Željava is a historical landmark. Do not damage structures or leave litter to preserve it for future visitors.

• Weather and Gear: The tunnels can be chilly so wear layered clothing. Once inside, weather doesn’t affect visit.

• Accessibility: The roads to Željava are generally accessible by car.

No, there is no permanent lighting inside the tunnels of Željava Air Base. The recently seen lights were part of a short-term experiment conducted by enthusiasts from the Željava LYBI group, who illuminated parts of the tunnels for a few hours. You can read more about this project at the following link: "A Brief Return of Light to the Tunnels of Željava"