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All Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo War Hostel Sarajevo
War Hostel Sarajevo is permanently closed.

This entry remains in the Atlas as a record of its history, but it is no longer accessible to visitors.

War Hostel Sarajevo

This unusual hostel provides a glimpse of life in a city under siege.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Added By
Henrik Johansson
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War Hostel.   Used with permission from owner
War Hostel.   Used with permission from owner
War Hostel.   Used with permission from owner
War Hostel   Used with permission from owner
War Hostel   Used with permission from owner
War Hostel.   Used with permission from owner
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About

The siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War lasted for almost four years. This made it the longest siege in modern warfare, surpassing well-known historical events such as the sieges of Stalingrad and Leningrad.

The population of Sarajevo suffered terribly under the blockade by the Bosnian Serb forces. Food supplies and medicine ran low as water, electricity, and heat were disconnected. The city was constantly bombarded; an average of 329 shells were fired into Sarajevo every day, with a maximum of 3,777 on July 22, 1993.

The owner of the War Hostel in Sarajevo, who goes by Zero One, lived through the war, and now operates a unique hostel that recreates the experience for its guests.

Normal hostel bunk beds have been replaced with mattresses on the floor lined with military sheets. Lighting inside comes from makeshift wartime lightbulbs powered by a car battery. The walls are covered with bullet holes, and the sound of machine-gun fire and exploding shells can be heard throughout.  

The owner stresses that this is a place to visit specifically for educational purposes, for those who want a better understanding of life for the people of Sarajevo during the war. Visitors who are looking for a comfortable place to stay are encouraged to find another hostel. 

Related Tags

Hotels War History War Military
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Added By

hrnick

Published

March 25, 2020

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Sources
  • https://warhostel.com/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Sarajevo
  • https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/War-Hostel/Sarajevo/98269
War Hostel Sarajevo
21 Hrvatin
Sarajevo, 71000
Bosnia and Herzegovina
43.855866, 18.434878
Visit Website
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